The 2025-2026 campaign placed Tunisian olive oil at record levels in production and exports. But behind the spectacular rise in volumes, a central question remains: what share of the final value does Tunisia retain when most of its oil leaves the country in bulk? The latest ONAGRI data and measures announced for 2026-2027 show that packaging has become a priority focus.
Two dates, two perimeters to distinguish
By the end of August 2026: 381.2 thousand tonnes exported for 4,780.4 million dinars, according to ONAGRI.
By the end of September 2026: exports reach 399,000 tonnes, according to data presented to the Council of Ministers.
These figures pertain to different dates and should not be compared as if they described the same period.
381,200 tonnes and 4.78 billion dinars by the end of August
In the first ten months of the 2025-2026 campaign, from November 2025 to August 2026, Tunisia exported 381.2 thousand tonnes of olive oil for a value of 4,780.4 million dinars. Volumes were up 50.8% year-on-year and revenues up 41.2%, according to ONAGRI.
Extra virgin oil accounted for 83.5% of exported quantities. In August, the average export price stood at 13.31 dinars per kilogram, up from 12.42 dinars a year earlier, a rise of 7.1% for that month.
Bulk still accounts for 85.5% of volumes
The main gap appears in the export structure. By the end of August, about 55.4 thousand tonnes of packaged oil had been exported, i.e., 14.5% of the total volume. The bulk thus accounted for 85.5% of the quantities.
By contrast, packaged oil generated 19.3% of total export revenues. This difference between share of volumes and share of revenues illustrates the economic challenge of packaging: selling more under a brand and in packaging aimed at the final consumer generally enables capturing a larger share of the value chain, even if the final price also depends on quality, market, format and commercial costs.
Over 82 countries, but strong concentration in Europe
By end-August, Tunisian oil was exported to more than 82 countries. The European Union absorbed 56.6% of volumes, with Spain at 31.9% and Italy at 19.8%. North America accounted for 24.4%, including 19.3% for the United States and 5.1% for Canada.
Asia accounted for 11.5% of volumes, mainly Saudi Arabia with 4.9% and Jordan with 3%. Africa weighed in at only 3.7% of exports, including 3.1% for Egypt.
Organic products progress, but remain heavily bulk
Exports of organic olive oil had reached 53 thousand tonnes by the end of August for about 699.7 million dinars in revenue. In this category, the packaged share represented only 6.3% of volumes.
The average price of organic oil stood at 13.20 dinars per kilogram, with a difference between bulk at 12.96 dinars and packaged at 16.74 dinars. Italy absorbed 39% of Tunisian organic volumes, ahead of Spain at 26%, the United States at 23% and France at 8%.
By end of September, exports reach 399,000 tonnes
The figures presented on October 23 by the government provide a one-month more recent snapshot. National production for the 2025-2026 campaign reached 500,000 tonnes, compared with an average of 303,000 tonnes over the previous five campaigns. Exports had reached 399,000 tonnes by the end of September and were expected to total 415,000 tonnes for the entire campaign.
At that same date, exports of packaged oil reached 60,000 tonnes and organic oil 58,000 tonnes. Domestic consumption stood at 50,000 tonnes, versus an average of 35,000 tonnes over the 2021-2025 period.
150 MD for the ONH and up to 60,000 tonnes of storage
For the 2026-2027 campaign, the government announced 150 million dinars in funding for the National Oil Office to support its purchases on the domestic market. A package of 20 million dinars in subsidized credits is planned for small farmers via the Tunisian Solidarity Bank.
The scheme also provides, if necessary, storage of up to 60,000 tonnes for three months, with total aid capped at 20 million dinars. The 2027 finance bill also foresees a financing line of 100 million dinars for the 2027-2030 period for seasonal and investment credits via the BNA.
The stated objective: sell more under brand
The government plans to maintain transport subsidies for exporters and to raise the coverage of maritime transport of packaged oil from 50% to 60%. A specific program will also support young exporting companies, while authorities aim to double current volumes of packaged and organic oil.
The record volumes of 2025-2026 demonstrated the country’s productive and export capacity. The next step will be to measure whether the sales structure evolves: more bottles, more Tunisian brands, and a diversification of markets, without losing the competitiveness that enabled the growth in volumes.
