Tunisia's Olive Oil Exports Hit Record High, Revenue Up 44%

Tunisia's olive oil exports have reached an all-time high, with official data showing a 55.3% surge in shipments during the first nine months of the 2025/26 season. The country exported 368,000 metric tons, generating $1.6 billion in revenue—a 44.4% increase compared to the same period last year.

The strong performance, driven by robust global demand since the season began in November, provides a significant boost to Tunisia's finances. Olive oil is the nation's top agricultural export and a crucial source of foreign currency, offering some relief as the government contends with ongoing economic and fiscal challenges.

According to the National Observatory of Agriculture, extra virgin olive oil made up the bulk of exports, accounting for 83.6% of total shipments. The European Union remained the primary market, absorbing 57.1% of Tunisia's olive oil, while North America took 24%. In total, more than 70 countries imported Tunisian olive oil during the period.

Other notable destinations included Saudi Arabia (4.6%), African markets (3.8%), Egypt (3.3%), and Jordan (3.1%).

While bottled olive oil exports rose 50.8% to 51,500 tons, bulk shipments still dominated overall volumes. This highlights Tunisia's ongoing challenge in adding greater value to one of its most vital export products.