Libya has significantly strengthened its trade relationship with Tunisia, with bilateral trade volumes experiencing a major increase over the past four years.
According to new data released by Tunisia’s Export Promotion Center, the total volume of trade between Libya and Tunisia reached 2,392 million Tunisian dinars in 2023, compared to 1,507 million dinars in 2019 — marking a substantial 59 percent growth.
Libya’s demand for Tunisian goods has notably risen, with Tunisian exports to Libya increasing by 37 percent during the same period. This expansion confirms Libya’s critical role as one of Tunisia’s fastest-growing trading partners, reflecting improved political coordination and growing economic interdependence between the two neighbors.
Sectoral data show that metals and natural resources led the surge in exports. Tunisian exports in this sector rose dramatically from 15 million dinars in 2019 to 125 million dinars in 2023, representing a staggering 88 percent growth.
Following closely, the non-metallic raw materials and natural resources sector recorded exports of 255 million dinars in 2023, compared to 148 million dinars in 2019 — a 58 percent increase.
The industrial equipment and machinery sector also saw remarkable progress. Tunisian exports of industrial products to Libya grew by 45 percent, reaching 177 million dinars in 2023, up from 79 million dinars four years earlier.
This significant growth in Libya–Tunisia trade highlights not only the economic recovery in Libya but also renewed momentum toward regional integration.
Analysts suggest that continued growth will require further facilitation of customs processes, modernization of transport corridors, and enhanced joint ventures in sectors such as construction, mining, and energy.
