Despite a 16.22 per cent decline in textile imports by the EU, Tunisia's textile exports increased from €1.96692 billion in 2019 to €2.35840 billion in 2023, according to official data.

From January-December 2023, Tunisia's clothing exports grew by 6.8 per cent to 8,178.68 million Tunisian dinars, while textile exports rose by 3.07 per cent. Overall textile and clothing exports by Tunisia grew by 5.61 per cent to nearly 9.7 billion dinars, with a 12.5-point improvement in the trade balance. Along with the support from public authorities and companies, the Tunisian textile industry is well-positioned for future challenges.

Tunisia has focused on product quality to differentiate itself in the European market. While competitors have lowered prices, Tunisian companies have maintained margins by offering high-end products. Tunisia ranks 10th globally as a clothing supplier to the EU, surpassing major players like the UK and Egypt.

An ambitious roadmap aiming to recycle 90 per cent of wastewater and reduce the carbon footprint by 30 per cent by 2030 is expected to further enhance Tunisia's competitiveness.

The Export Promotion Center (CEPEX) plans to organize professional and partnership meetings for the textile, clothing, leather and footwear sectors on April 21-22, 2025, in Algiers, during the 8th TexStyle Expo. This event will provide Tunisian companies with opportunities to establish business relationships and partnerships with economic operators in the clothing and footwear sectors.

The event will target sectors including materials and accessories for clothing, solutions for the textile and clothing industry, and leather, soles, and footwear components. This mission will be eligible for the Export Promotion Fund (FOPRODEX), a financial support mechanism for Tunisian exporters, notes CEPEX.