TUNISIA – Tunisia’s olive oil sector, a key driver of the country’s food export earnings, faced significant challenges in 2025, leading to a drop in revenue despite strong export volumes, according to the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI).
As per the report, Tunisia’s agricultural and food export revenues reached 7.75 billion dinars (US$2.66 billion) in 2025, down 8.5% from 2024. The decline is mainly attributed to the olive oil sector, which saw export earnings fall by 16.3% to 4 billion dinars (US$1.39 billion). This occurred even as export volumes rose 60% to 318,000 tons.
“Export prices dropped by nearly half for olive oil while other main products saw modest gains,” ONAGRI reported. Fishery products rose 8.2%, dates increased 1.4%, tomatoes grew 4.1%, and citrus fruits climbed 19.3% compared to the previous year.
The report did not specify the exact causes of the price drop. Observers note that global olive oil production rebounded in 2025 after two years of decline. Increased supply likely pushed international prices lower.
Share of Agricultural Exports
Despite the revenue fall, olive oil continues to dominate Tunisia’s food exports, accounting for over half of total earnings. Overall, the contribution of agricultural exports to Tunisia’s total exports decreased to 12.2% in 2025 from 13.7% in 2024.
As of February 2026, the global benchmark price of olive oil stood at about $6,150 per metric ton. Analysts highlight ongoing volatility due to uneven Mediterranean harvests and sustained international demand.
“Supply shocks in Tunisia and Spain caused by droughts and low harvests continue to affect prices,” an industry analyst said. “Demand from the United States and the European Union remains strong, which supports the market despite fluctuations.” Currency movements also influence Tunisia’s competitiveness in global markets.
Looking ahead, prices are expected to stay high through 2026 as production adjusts to climate-related disruptions. Exporters and policymakers are closely monitoring developments to support the sector’s recovery and stabilize revenues.
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Dining and Cooking