10-07-2025
Textiles: local fabric production on a razor's edge
Exports from Tunisia's textile and clothing sector rose by 2.61% year-on-year by the end of May 2025, reaching 3,942 million dinars, according to Sabeur Ben Kilani, Director General of Textiles and Clothing at the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy.
Imports in the sector also increased by 5.41%, amounting to 3,107 million dinars, he added during a study day held at the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP), dedicated to Tunisia's textile industry.
Nearly 87% of all textile exports are destined for European markets, with France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and the USA as the main clients.
Low local fabric production
Ben Kilani noted that fabrics represent 67% of the sector's imports, most of which come from Europe.
Alarmingly, local fabric production meets only 7% of the sector's needs, reflecting a lack of integration due to the absence of large-scale local companies capable of producing fabrics at the required quality and volume.
Challenges facing the sector
He highlighted several external challenges, including rising maritime shipping costs and delays, weakened European consumer purchasing power and strategic shifts in the EU market outlook for 2030.
Internally, the sector faces shortages of skilled labor, high energy and water costs, burdensome administrative procedures, limited access to bank financing, complex customs and social security procedures and delays in completing the Monastir El Fejja collective wastewater treatment plant
Other internal obstacles include outdated public procurement processes, weak regulation of products in the domestic market, limited technical inspection of imported goods, and poor coordination among stakeholders.
Urgent action needed
To tackle the labor shortage, Ben Kilani proposed forming a task force to draft an urgent action plan and better coordinate international vocational training programs.
He also called for mobilizing funding and accelerating the Monastir El Fejja wastewater project.
He urged more flexibility for financially struggling companies, revising late payment penalties, and simplifying the licensing process for businesses outside industrial zones.
He also recommended involving the Textile Technical Center in support efforts and improving the list of products subject to import technical controls.
