Cheese and curd market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the Tunisian cheese market expanded by over 40%, reaching 17,206 tons. This growth was fueled by a consistent rise in living standards, which boosted domestic consumption, and by significant improvements in the milk supply chain, including the activation of 234 collection centers with a daily capacity exceeding 2.9 million liters. At the same time, cheese exports fell sharply, freeing up more production for the local market.

The market also saw increased industrial capacity, notably with LAND’OR SA securing a permit to produce processed cheese in 2022. While cheese remained a premium product with prices limiting broader consumption, the entry of international brands intensified competition, particularly in the processed segment. Production levels stayed relatively stable around 15,800–15,900 tons throughout the period, as modern dairy plants operated at full capacity.

After peaking in 2022, market volume dipped to 16,317 tons in 2023. The sector's dependence on consumer purchasing power and the general economic climate continued to shape demand, with fast-food outlets often opting for cheaper substitutes instead of real cheese.

Production cheese and curd in Tunisia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

In 2019, Tunisia's cheese and curd production reached its lowest point at 15 698 tonnes. The following year, in 2020, output remained nearly unchanged at 15 700 tonnes. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 4.7%, with an average annual decrease of 1.6%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Tunisia's cheese and curd production value grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 48 793 thousand US dollars, marking a strong increase of 14.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value rose by 9.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 41 540 thousand US dollars, when production fell by 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tunisia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports cheese and curd from Tunisia

Exports in kind, t

Tunisia's cheese and curd exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 4 500 tonnes, representing a significant reduction of 16.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 22%, equating to an annualized decline of 8.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 026 tonnes, which marked a 21.7% increase from the previous year. The largest drop occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 23.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia's cheese and curd exports were distributed across numerous countries. Morocco accounted for 25.2% of exports in volume, Libya for 15.7%, and Saudi Arabia for 1.2%. Together, these three countries represented 42.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Tunisia's cheese and curd export value declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 13 986 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 4.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 10.6%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 18 369 thousand US dollars, which represented a 17.5% increase from the previous year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when export value decreased by 20.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tunisia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco led Tunisia's cheese and curd export structure in value terms with a 29.9% share, followed by Libya at 18.5% and Saudi Arabia at 2.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 50.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tunisia in value, 2017-2020

Imports cheese and curd to Tunisia

Imports in kind, t

Tunisia's cheese and curd imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 3 823 tonnes, showing a modest rise of 2.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes grew by 20.6%, equating to an annualized increase of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland dominated Tunisia's cheese and curd import structure in volume terms with a 34.1% share, followed by the Netherlands at 15.6% and France at 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented 58.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Tunisia's cheese and curd import value increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports came to 15 052 thousand US dollars, which is 7.4% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 20.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tunisia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland led Tunisia's cheese and curd import structure in value terms with a 32.6% share, followed by the Netherlands at 13.8% and France at 12.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 58.4% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tunisia in value, 2017-2020