Latest news with #NationalInstituteofStatistics
African Manager
12-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
The runaway spiral of Tunisia's trade deficit
Tunisia's foreign trade reached 31,773.7 million dinars (MD) in exports and 41,674.2 MD in imports, in the first half of 2025, There was no relief for Tunisia's trade deficit during this period. Exports slightly decreased to 31,773.7 MD (from 31,953.8 MD in H1 2024), while imports rose to 41,674.2 MD (from 39,971.2 MD). As a result of this export decline (-0.6%) and import increase (+4.3%), the trade deficit widened to -9,900.5 MD, compared to -8,017.4 MD during the same period in 2024. The coverage rate fell to 76.2% (down from 79.9%), according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS). By sector, exports in the mining, phosphates, and derivatives sector increased by (+11.2%), the mechanical and electrical industries sector by (+6.2%), and the textiles, clothing, and leather sector by (+0.4%). In contrast, exports declined in the energy sector by (-36.3%) due to reduced sales of refined products (245.6 million dinars compared to 950.4 million dinars), as well as in the agri-food industry sector by (-19.1%) following a drop in olive oil sales (2,346.6 million dinars compared to 3,406 million dinars). By product category, imports increased in capital goods (+17.6%), raw materials and semi-finished products (+6.2%), and consumer goods (+11.6%). On the other hand, imports of energy products decreased by (-16.3%), and food products declined by (-2%). Exports to Egypt surge by 44.7% Tunisian exports to the European Union during the first half of 2025 (representing 70.3% of total exports) reached 22,348.9 MD, compared to 22,332.6 MD in the same period of 2024. Exports increased to Germany (+15.2%), France (+4.8%) and the Netherlands (+12.4%). However, they fell to Italy (-7.1%) and Spain (-31.9%). In Arab countries, exports rose to Libya (+18.7%), Morocco (+40.9%), Algeria (+27.8%) and Egypt (+44.7%). Regarding imports from the European Union (44% of total imports), they reached 18,354 MD in the first half of 2025, compared to 17,601.9 MD during the same period in 2024. Imports increased from France (+13.4%), Italy (+1.4%) and Germany (+10.6%). However, they decreased from Greece (-28.5%) and Belgium (-4.1%). Outside the EU, imports rose from China (+37.7%) and Turkey (+15.4%), while they declined from Russia (-20.1%) and India (-16.5%). Deficit Driven Mainly by Energy The trade balance recorded a deficit of -9,900.5 MD), primarily due to the energy sector: -5,214.8 MD, raw materials & semi-finished goods: -3,257.9 MD, capital goods: -1,588.1 MD and consumer goods: -663.8 MD. In contrast, the food products group posted a surplus of +824.1 MD. It should be noted that the non-energy trade deficit narrowed to -4,685.7 MD. The energy trade deficit stood at -5,214.8 MD, compared to -5,794.1 MD in the first half of 2024.
African Manager
09-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Prices still rising but at slower pace, says expert
Academic and economist Habib Zitouna explained that consumer price inflation is measured monthly by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and that a survey of the Tunisian consumer is conducted every five years by tracking the consumption of several families over an entire year, while monitoring the evolution of the prices of goods and services. Thus, inflation corresponds to the average growth of prices, weighted by average consumption. He added that the inflation rate is calculated year-over-year and currently stands at 5.4% compared to the previous year, specifying that prices have not decreased, but rather that the pace of their increase has slowed. In February 2023, Tunisia had reached a record inflation rate of over 10%, an unprecedented level in 40 years. Speaking to Expresso on Monday, July 7, 2025, Zitouna emphasized that the inflation rate should be lower, noting that 5% remains a high rate for several reasons. He explained that inflation is linked to the increase in the money supply, that is, the amount of money in circulation and in banks. Inflation occurs when the money supply exceeds production. In this case, the money supply increased by 15%, which poses a significant risk. He noted that the inflation rate rose by 0.4% in June compared to May, and that the 5.4% rate is in comparison to June 2024. This figure is an average, as some prices increased more sharply, particularly **food products, with an approximate increase of 6%, especially fresh vegetables and fruits, whose prices rose by more than 20%. This is due to higher demand than supply, problems in distribution channels and rising prices in cafés and hotels. He stressed the need to reduce the inflation rate, while clarifying that a drop in prices can be more dangerous than an increase, but that any increase must remain moderate. Zitouna mentioned the possibility of imported inflation, but believed that the dinar has remained relatively stable in recent years and that the real issue in Tunisia is the budget deficit. He pointed out that banks borrowed 14.6 billion dinars from the Central Bank, highlighting the connection between this and inflation rates and reiterating that reducing inflation requires budgetary stability and a reduction of the deficit, according to Express FM.
African Manager
07-07-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Inflation: A steady rate held at 5.4%, driven by food prices
Tunisia's inflation rate remained stable in June 2025, holding at 5.4%, according to a note released Saturday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The INS attributed this stability to two factors: the acceleration in the rate of price increases in the 'Restaurants, cafés and hotels' group (11% in June 2025 compared to 10.8% in May 2025), and the slowdown in the rate of price increases in food products (6.4% in June 2025 compared to 6.7% in May 2025). Core inflation (excluding food and energy) remained stable at 5.5%. Prices for unregulated products increased by 6.5% year-on-year, while prices for regulated products increased by 1.5%. Prices for unregulated food products rose by 7.2%, compared with a rise of 0.7% for regulated food products. Food prices rose by 6.4% year-on-year. This was mainly due to rises in the prices of fresh vegetables (25.2%), fresh fruit (20.4%), lamb (19%), and fresh fish (10.5%). Conversely, the prices of edible oils and eggs fell by 22.7% and 4.7%, respectively. The prices of manufactured goods and services rose by 5.3% over the year due to a 9.3% increase in clothing and footwear prices and a 5% increase in household cleaning product prices. Prices for services rose by 4.6% over the year. This was mainly due to a 11% increase in prices within the 'restaurants, cafés and hotels' category. Consumer prices rise by 0.4% in June Compared with the previous month, consumer prices rose by 0.4% in June 2025. According to the INS, this increase is mainly due to rises in clothing prices (1.6%), restaurant and hotel prices (1.1%) and food prices (0.1%). Prices in the 'food and beverages' group rose slightly by 0.1% over the month, following increases in lamb prices (+1.8%) and beef prices (+1.5%). Conversely, egg prices fell by 3.6%. The same applies to poultry (-1.4%) and fresh fruit (-1.1%). The price of clothing and footwear rose by 1.6%. Prices for clothing went up by 1.8%, while prices for footwear rose by 1.5%. Meanwhile, prices in the 'restaurants, cafés and hotels' group increased by 1.1%. This increase can be attributed to a 5.1% rise in accommodation service prices.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tunisia: Inflation rate remains stable at 5.4% in June 2025
Tunis – Tunisia's inflation rate remained stable at 5.4% in June 2025, according to a bulletin issued Saturday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), focusing on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June 2025. This stability is the result, on one hand, of an accelerated increase in prices in the 'restaurants, cafés and hotels' group (11% in June 2025 compared with 10.8% in May 2025), and on the other hand, a deceleration in the pace of food price rises (6.4% in June 2025 compared with 6.7% in May 2025), according to the INS. The core inflation, excluding food and energy, remained stable at a rate of 5.5%. The prices of free-market (unregulated) products were up by 6.5% year-on-year, while prices of regulated products increased by only 1.5%. Food products sold at free-market prices recorded a 7.2% rise, compared with just 0.7% for food products with regulated prices. In the food category, prices rose by 6.4% year-on-year, primarily due to the rise in prices of fresh vegetables by 25.2%, fresh fruit by 20.4%, lamb by 19% and fresh fish by 10.5%. On the other hand, the prices of edible oils and eggs fell by 22.7% and 4.7%, respectively. The prices of manufactured goods and services climbed up by 5.3% over the year due to a 9.3% increase in the prices of clothing and footwear and a 5% increase in the prices of household cleaning products. For services, prices posted a 4.6% rise over the year, due to an 11% increase in prices for services in the 'restaurants, cafés and hotels' group. Consumer prices up by 0.4% in June Consumer prices increased by 0.4% in June 2025 compared with the previous month, mainly due to a 1.6% increase in clothing prices, a 1.1% increase in the 'Restaurants and hotels' group and a 0.1% rise in food prices. Month-on-month, the 'Food and beverages' group saw a slight increase of 0.1%, driven by the rise by 1.8% in lamb and 1.5% in beef prices. Meanwhile, the prices of eggs fell by 3.6%, poultry by 1.4%, fresh fruits by 1.1%. Clothing and footwear prices were up by 1.6% in June, with clothing up by 1.8% and footwear by 1.5%. The 'restaurants, cafés and hotels' group registered a 1.1% price increase, mainly due to a 5.1% rise in accommodation service prices. © Tap 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Libya Observer
06-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Observer
Italy retains top spot as Libya's leading trade partner in Q1 2025 despite dip
Italy held its position as Libya's largest trading partner in the first quarter of 2025, with bilateral trade reaching €2.12 billion, accounting for 18.5% of Libya's total foreign trade, according to Italy's National Institute of Statistics via Nova agency. While the overall figure marked a 5.4% year-over-year decline, Italy remained ahead of other major economic partners, including Germany (€1.36B), China (€1.11B), Greece (€859M), and Turkey (€840M)—cementing its commercial dominance in North Africa. Italian exports to Libya totaled €440 million, positioning Italy as the third-largest supplier, behind China (€884M) and Turkey (€750M). The energy sector remained the cornerstone of trade, with refined oil products making up €174 million—about 40% of total exports—despite a 35.2% drop from the previous year. Italy's mechanical and industrial exports showed notable momentum. Sales of multi-purpose machinery surged 54.5% to €56 million, while electrical equipment soared 79.2% to €55 million, underscoring Italy's growing technological footprint in Libya. Other sectors also contributed to the upward trend, with automobile exports rising to €16.8 million (up 66.9%), chemical products reaching €14 million (up 36.5%), pharmaceuticals totaling €8.7 million (up 22.9%), and furniture exports climbing to €6.6 million (up 13.1%). Meanwhile, agri-food exports—once Italy's third-largest export category to Libya—posted €51 million in sales, down 5% from the same period last year.
