Report - Economic Exchange Between Tunisia and Slovenia

Economic Exchange between Tunisia and Slovenia

The TUN-SLO Business Club s.u.a.r.l. acts as a bridge between the Slovenian and Tunisian economies. Despite extremely challenging market exchange conditions, the TUN-SLO Business Club remains an important and reliable actor in connecting the markets of Tunisia and Slovenia.

In 2024, the Business Club participated in business activities that resulted in successfully concluded deals. The Club was an active and significant stakeholder in finalized transactions in the paper industry, aquaculture and fisheries, transport, education, and the timber trade.

Context of Slovenian–Tunisian Trade Relations

Below we present some concrete and up-to-date parameters of trade exchange between Tunisia and Slovenia.

According to United Nations (COMTRADE) data, Slovenia exported to Tunisia goods and services worth USD 27.99 million. This figure is not absolute, as many transactions are carried out through intermediaries, which means that exports are often recorded as trade with another country. The real export of Slovenia to Tunisia is estimated at no less than USD 50 million.

According to Trading Economics, the main export categories include:

• Cereals – USD 6.68 million

• Paper / paper industry – USD 4.65 million

• Synthetic fibers – USD 2.36 million

• Electrical and electronic equipment – USD 2.27 million

• Wood and wood products – USD 1.66 million

Tunisian companies exported directly to Slovenia significantly less – USD 6.86 million worth of goods. However, this figure must also be treated with caution, as much of Tunisian goods arrive in Slovenia through intermediaries from other countries. In certain areas where we are actively engaged — e.g., aquaculture — it is common for Slovenian buyers to purchase Tunisian products via foreign intermediaries or wholesalers. The real import of Tunisia into Slovenia is estimated at no less than USD 25 million.

Nonetheless, we present the most recent official data for 2023, according to Trading Economics.

Key export categories include:

• Electrical and electronic equipment – USD 3.00 million

• Salt, sulfur, and mineral products – USD 1.67 million

• Seeds, fruits, and oils – USD 1.02 million

• Ships and floating structures – USD 304,500

• Aluminum – USD 213,900

• Fish and mollusks – USD 171,600

• Other (smaller categories) – up to USD 200,000

Context of EU–Tunisia Trade Relations

The EU and Tunisia have long-standing and intensive trade relations. Tunisia was the first country in the EU’s southern neighborhood to sign and implement an Association Agreement with the EU.

• The total trade in 2024 reached around EUR 25.1 billion.

• The EU imported approximately EUR 13.0 billion from Tunisia (mainly machinery, textiles, equipment).

• Tunisia imported around EUR 12.1 billion from the EU.

The EU is also the largest foreign investor in Tunisia, accounting for 85% of global FDI stocks in the country, with investments strongly concentrated in textiles, food processing, electronics, and agribusiness sectors.

Prepared on 24 August 2025
Domen Mikša, CEO of the TUN-SLO