Figs market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

The Tunisian fig market maintained stable production around 27 000 t in 2018 and 2019, supported by progressive investments in planting and expanding fig orchards across suitable Mediterranean regions, which increased cultivation area and local output. This period of expansion was interrupted in 2020 when market volume fell sharply by over 27% to 19 448 t, primarily due to the moderate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production activities and distribution logistics.

A recovery followed in 2021, with production rising to 24 150 t and market volume reaching 23 963 t, driven by continued investments in modernizing production and packaging infrastructure. This rebound was further supported by the emergence of greater demand for organic figs and natural products, which incentivized quality-focused agricultural practices. The market then stabilized near 23 500 t in 2022 and 2023, aided by innovation in drying and processing for the dried fig segment and a broader industry trend toward higher-quality products and strengthened phytosanitary controls for export markets.

Production figs in Tunisia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Tunisia ranked as the world's ninth-largest producer of figs.

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

Tunisia's fig production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 19,600 tonnes of figs, representing a 27.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 24%, which translates to an annualized decline of 8.8%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 27,400 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 6.2% also occurring that year.

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

Exports figs from Tunisia

Exports in kind, t

Tunisia's fig exports dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 218.1 tonnes of figs, a 22.9% reduction compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 54.6%, averaging an annual decline of 23.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar consistently led Tunisia's fig export destinations by volume. Libya accounted for 36.1% of exports, the UAE for 32.6%, and Qatar for 11.9%. Together, these three countries represented 80.6% of Tunisia's total fig exports in kind.

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

After two years of decline, Tunisia's fig export value rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 790,000 US dollars, a 64.6% increase from the previous year. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 40.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 480,000 US dollars, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2018 at 51.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Canada were the top buyers of Tunisian figs by value. The UAE accounted for 46.5% of export value, Qatar for 19.0%, and Canada for 10.8%. Collectively, these three markets made up 76.3% of Tunisia's total fig export value.

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

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

Imports figs to Tunisia

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 37.4 tonnes and peaked in 2018 at 76.6 tonnes, with the peak being twice as high as the trough. In 2020, Tunisia imported 65.8 tonnes of figs, a 75.7% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 51.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey dominated Tunisia's fig imports by volume, accounting for 78.7% of total flows. The remaining imports were spread across numerous smaller partners.

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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import value hit its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with the peak being 3.5 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Tunisia's fig import value reached 71,000 US dollars, a sharp increase of 103.7% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 38.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 182.1%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Tunisia's fig imports by value were heavily concentrated on Turkey, which accounted for 81.0% of total flows. All other countries combined made up the remaining share.

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

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