Tunisia is the sixth largest trade partner of Turkey in Africa by 2011.

A Free Trade Agreement which forms the fundamental basis for the bilateral trade relations between Turkey and Tunisia entered into force on July 2005. The Second Session of the Partnership Council stemming from the FTA took place in Tunisia on December 2010.

In order to complete the legal framework of bilateral commercial and economic relations, Turkey and Tunisia have signed a number of agreements, including Agreement on Enhancing Economic and Technical Cooperation (1992), Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (1991) and Double Taxation Prevention Treatment (1986).

Turkish-Tunisian Business Council organizes meetings which bring the businessmen of the two countries together on the occasion of high-level official meetings. The Council’s counterpart in Tunisia is the Tunisian Association of Commerce, Industry and Handicrafts Union (UTICA).  

Exports

Tunisia was Turkey’s 39th largest goods export market in 2011.

Turkish goods exports to Tunisia in 2011 were 802 million $, up 12% (713 million $) from 2010, and up 470% from 2001.

The top export categories (2-digit SITC) for 2011 were: Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles (174 million $); Iron and steel (125 million $); Machinery specialized for particular industries (72 million $); Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (69 million $) and Manufactures of Metals (67 million $).

Imports

Tunisia was Turkey’s 71st largest supplier of goods imports in 2011.

Turkish goods imports from Tunisia totaled 249 million $ in 2011, down 11% (280 million $) from 2010, and up 242% from 2001.

The top 5 imports categories (2-digit SITC) for 2011 were: Fertilizers (112 million $); Coal tar and crude oil products (28 million $); Inorganic chemicals and compounds of rare elements (26 million $); Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (26 million $) and Electrical machinery (13 million $).

Trade Balance

The trade surplus of goods with Turkey was 552 million $ in 2011, a 27% increase (432 million $) over 2010.

Contracting and Consultancy Services

Tunisia is a significant market for Turkish contractors. Turkish firms held and are holding 12 projects in Tunisia with a total value of 771 million dollars up until now.

Investment

According to the Office of the Commercial Counselor of Turkey in Tunisia, Turkish foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Tunisia is 510 million $.

There are 35 Tunisian companies operating in Turkey, mainly in wholesale and retail commerce and manufacturing sectors.