Flour or powder of dried legumes market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

The Tunisian market for flour or powder of dried legumes began the period at 260.6 t in 2018, within a context of a structural vegetable protein deficit and a state-managed cereal sector. Market volume grew to 267.2 t in 2019, a year marked by the adoption of a comprehensive food safety law which likely bolstered market standards and consumer confidence. This upward trend stabilized in 2020 at 264.4 t, as a government-mandated increase in prices for packaged flour and semolina tempered demand.

Market volume expanded significantly to 278.1 t in 2021, driven primarily by a sharp rise in imports to 9.7 t, reflecting the ongoing dependence on foreign supplies of legumes and soy to meet domestic needs. Growth continued to 290.9 t in 2022, even as the broader market faced recurrent wheat flour shortages and supply chain issues. The market then contracted to 280.0 t in 2023, a period where the agri-food sector consolidated its position but navigated challenges from global crises, including the war in Ukraine and climatic pressures.

In 2024, the regulatory and policy landscape saw several developments, including a new state financing program for cereal cultivation, the upcoming fixation of profit margins on dried vegetable prices, and a VAT exemption on basic foodstuffs to protect purchasing power, all within a market characterized by strong government intervention.

Production flour or powder of dried legumes in Tunisia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2017-2020

Tunisia's production of flour or powder from dried legumes has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 270.1 tonnes, maintaining a broadly stable level compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 4.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.6%.

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

Exports flour or powder of dried legumes from Tunisia

Exports in kind, kg

Exports of flour or powder from dried legumes from Tunisia have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 6 528 kg, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 330.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 453.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 76.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and France were the primary buyers of flour or powder from dried legumes from Tunisia, together accounting for 82.3% of total exports in volume. Other trading partners played a smaller role in the export structure.

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, $ US

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports bottomed in 2018 at 3 194 US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 12 629 US dollars, representing a fourfold difference. In 2020, the value increased by 156.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 43.0%.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, two markets—Canada and France—dominated Tunisia's exports, together making up 86.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Imports flour or powder of dried legumes to Tunisia

Imports in kind, kg

Tunisia imported a total of flour or powder from dried legumes in 2020, with a volume that saw a moderate rise of 7.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 28.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tunisia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in volume was highly concentrated, with France alone accounting for 100.0% of total 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, $ US

In 2020, the value of flour or powder from dried legumes imports into Tunisia amounted to 1 085 US dollars, down by 9.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 18.5%, with an annualized rate of 5.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms remained heavily focused on France, which represented 100.0% of total flows.

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

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