In 2025, the worsening trade deficit—partly offset by stronger labour income and higher tourism receipts—had a direct impact on the country’s balance of payments.
According to the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT), the current account deficit widened sharply to 4,350 million dinars in 2025, equivalent to 2.5% of GDP, compared with a deficit of 2,576 million dinars (1.6% of GDP) a year earlier.
The trade deficit stood at -21,800.3 million dinars, versus -18,927.6 million dinars in 2024. It was driven mainly by the energy products group, raw materials and semi-finished goods, capital goods, and consumer goods.
Meanwhile, the gradual strengthening of foreign currency assets has continued in recent weeks, lifting reserves to 25.8 billion dinars (or 109 days of imports) as of 10 February 2026, up from 23.3 billion dinars (or 102 days of imports) a year earlier.
The Central Bank of Tunisia’s Board of Directors also decided at its meeting on 11 February 2026 to keep the BCT’s key policy rate unchanged at 7.00%.
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