“Tunisia reached a historic record in olive oil exports in the months of December, January and February.”
He gloats Tunisian Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Abid, presenting to the plenary session of the Assembly of People's Representatives, export results for the last three months, in response to questions from parliamentarians.
“These results represent a great success for Tunisian economic diplomacy,” he added, highlighting that Monthly exports exceeded 50.000 tons, thanks to the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, adding that his ministry is focusing on maintaining traditional markets while exploring new destinations for packaged olive oil, which represents a qualitative leap for the sector. Among the traditional markets, as is known, are theItaly , Spain, whose oil industries are taking full advantage of the rock-bottom price of Tunisian oil.
On balance, From October to today, Tunisia has shipped 200 thousand tons of olive oil across the border. Still maintaining a significant allocation, given that a good part of the oil, especially in the last months of last year, referred to the previous campaign. And the current one is estimated at over 400 thousand tons.
Regarding exports, Abid reported a gradual recovery in traditional markets after recent disruptions caused by administrative procedures. Finally, he confirmed that the Tunisia has requested the opening of negotiations with the European Union regarding the export of olive oil. and other strategic agricultural products. Concluding that “These negotiations will not be limited to the European Union, but will also involve other international partners”. In particular, as is known, Tunisia has asked to increase the duty exemption, up to 100 thousand tons of oil, double the current ones, but immediately receiving a contrary opinion from the European Commissioner for Agriculture, thus welcoming the outcry from the olive oil sector.
