The trade deficit remained relatively stable in the third quarter of 2023 (Q3) at TND 4,219.1 million, compared with TND 4,203.1 million in Q2 2023, a slight increase of 0.4%, according to the note on “Foreign Trade at current prices (CVS-CEC), September 2023” published by the National Statistics Institute (INS).
The coverage rate at the end of September 2023, was 78.8% lower than in Q2 2023.
On a quarterly basis, exports fell slightly by 1% in Q3 2023 compared with Q2.
This drop is mainly explained by the 10.5% fall in exports in the textiles, clothing and leather sectors, as well as the 30.7% drop in exports in the phosphate mining and derivatives sector.
On the other hand, the agriculture and agri-food sectors recorded an increase of 25.6%.
//Imports down slightly by 0.7% at the end of September 2023//
Imports were down slightly by 0.7% at the end of September 2023. This was mainly due to a 9% fall in imports of raw materials.
Imports of foodstuffs also contracted by 1%.
In addition, capital goods recorded a slight decline of 0.6%. However, imports of consumer goods were up by 6.1%.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse