The Secretary General of the Tunisian-Libyan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ali Dhawadi, stated that the closure of the Ras Jedir border crossing has led to a 30% drop in export volumes.
In an interview with Tunisian radio station Express FM, Dhawadi explained that many Tunisian exporting companies have lost their Libyan clients. He noted that the section of the border dedicated to trucks and freight transport has been closed for six months.
Dhawadi highlighted that trucks are being rerouted through the Dhahiba-Wazen crossing, which is not equipped to handle the high volume of trade between Tunisia and Libya. He added that it takes a week for empty trucks to enter and 10 days for loaded trucks to exit, significantly delaying trade.
Dhawadi warned that with these prolonged delays and additional challenges, Tunisia risks losing the Libyan market. He pointed out that many major Tunisian exporting companies have resorted to sea transport, despite the high costs.
He concluded by noting that there are promises from Libyan officials to reopen the Ras Jedir crossing on 29th September.
