Lettuce and chicory market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in Tunisia expanded from 70 660 tonnes in 2018 to 74 262 tonnes in 2020. This growth coincided with state policies aimed at farm rehabilitation and support for applied research to develop vegetable varieties adapted to local regions, which helped increase agricultural production.

Market volume dipped to 73 390 tonnes in 2021 as economic and climatic uncertainties affected sown areas. It then stabilized around 73 500 tonnes in 2022 and 2023. During this period, a presidential decree simplified export procedures for agricultural goods, and a national strategy to valorize local products was launched, encouraging domestic output. Although persistent drought in 2023 pressured horticultural yields, the adoption of agricultural innovations like smart greenhouses and digital platforms helped maintain supply.

Production lettuce and chicory in Tunisia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia ranked 24th globally in lettuce and chicory production.

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

Tunisia's lettuce and chicory production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 77 709 tonnes, a modest increase of 2.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 4.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of lettuce and chicory production in Tunisia fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 62 480 thousand US dollars, a slight decline of 0.7% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 67 184 thousand US dollars. The largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 6.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 9.2%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Tunisia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Tunisia exported 3 456 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, a dramatic fall of 29.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 27%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.0%. The peak was in 2019 with 4 906 tonnes, and the largest increase was also in 2019 at 10.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Russia were the top destinations for Tunisia's lettuce and chicory exports by volume. France accounted for 19.6% of exports, the Netherlands for 19.2%, and Russia for 14.5%, together making up 53.2% of total 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

After two years of growth, Tunisia's lettuce and chicory exports declined. In 2020, exports reached 2 779 thousand US dollars, a 31.6% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 29%, with an annualized rate of 10.8%. The highest value was in 2019 at 4 060 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Russia led as the main destinations for Tunisia's lettuce and chicory exports by value. France represented 20.3% of exports, the Netherlands 20.2%, and Russia 15.6%, combining for 56.1% of total 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 lettuce and chicory to Tunisia

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. Import volumes hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 7.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tunisia imported 9 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, a sharp decrease of 58.7% from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the primary source for Tunisia's lettuce and chicory imports by volume, accounting for 8.9% 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, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2019, changing by 9.2-fold. In 2020, Tunisia's imports of lettuce and chicory totaled 9 thousand US dollars, an abrupt loss of 53.6% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the leading supplier of lettuce and chicory to Tunisia by value, with a share of 6.9% 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