Exporting to Tunisia from Egypt
Egypt and Tunisia are linked by several trade agreements: a bilateral agreement from 1999, the Agadir Agreement with Morocco and Jordan, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and COMESA. Egyptian exports to Tunisia were about 434.5 million US dollars in 2024, according to Egypt's planning minister, and food products such as vegetables and fruit are among the main categories. Tunisian importers pay against shipping documents, and confirmed letters of credit are common practice for exporters.
Tunisia is a natural market for Egyptian exporters: close, Arabic-speaking, French used widely in business, and connected to Egypt by more than one trade agreement. For Tunisian importers, Egypt offers a large range of food and industrial products.
This guide summarises what the official sources say and what to check before a first order. It is general information, not customs or legal advice; confirm the current rules with Tunisian customs and your forwarder (information as of November 2026).
1. The agreements between Egypt and Tunisia
The US Commercial Service lists Egypt's agreements as including the Agadir Agreement among Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, the Pan Arab Free Trade Area, COMESA and a bilateral agreement with Tunisia signed in March 1999. Tunisia's own guide notes that it ratified accession to COMESA in 2019 and AfCFTA in 2020.
That means more than one framework may apply to your product. Ask your forwarder which one gives the best treatment and what proof it needs.
2. How big is the trade?
Egypt's planning minister reported Egyptian exports to Tunisia of nearly 434.5 million US dollars in 2024, up 15.4% on 2023. UN Comtrade data, shown by Trading Economics, puts them at 439.7 million dollars in 2025. Sources differ on exact figures, so treat them as the order of magnitude. Egypt has set a target to raise trade with Tunisia further.
3. What Egypt sells to Tunisia
Trading Economics lists mineral fuels, edible vegetables, edible preparations and edible fruits, nuts and citrus peel among Egypt's main export categories to Tunisia. That is good news for food exporters, who can compete in a market already familiar with Egyptian produce. Check Tunisia's product, labelling and plant-health rules for your HS code.
4. How Tunisian importers pay
According to the US Commercial Service, Tunisian law prohibits importers from sending foreign currency abroad before they present their bank with documents confirming shipment. Importers obtain hard currency by presenting those documents to commercial banks. Exporters have used confirmed, irrevocable letters of credit and letters of credit authorising payment against documents.
In practice: expect to be paid against documents, and agree the documents in advance.
5. A pre-shipment checklist
- HS code, tariff and agreement that applies, with the proof of origin it needs.
- Product rules: standards, labelling (Arabic and French are widely used), plant-health or veterinary requirements.
- Import licence requirements, if any, and who obtains them.
- Documents the bank requires for payment.
- A written pro forma invoice with Incoterm, price validity and inspection method.
Settle each point with your buyer and forwarder before booking.
6. Finding the right Tunisian buyers
Start from trade data for your HS code to see what Tunisia imports, from where and at what unit value. Then build a list of importers and distributors through trade fairs, chambers of commerce and LinkedIn, verify each one, and send a short message in Arabic or French. Track every reply in your CRM.
Sources
- US International Trade Administration — Egypt Country Commercial Guide: trade agreements
- US International Trade Administration — Tunisia Country Commercial Guide: trade agreements
- US International Trade Administration — Tunisia Country Commercial Guide: import requirements
- Arab Finance — Egyptian exports to Tunisia up to $434.5M in 2024
- Trading Economics — Egypt exports to Tunisia
- Amwal Al Ghad — Egypt and Tunisia seek closer trade ties
Common questions
Which agreement should I use for Tunisia?
Several apply. Ask your forwarder which gives the best treatment for your HS code and which proof of origin it needs, then confirm with Tunisian customs.
Is a letter of credit necessary for Tunisia?
It is common practice, and the US Commercial Service notes exporters have used confirmed, irrevocable letters of credit. For a first order with a new buyer it is a sensible choice.
Do I need French on my materials?
Arabic and French are both widely used in Tunisian business, so offering both on your spec sheet and website helps. We localise sites for target markets on request.
Can you help us find Tunisian importers?
Yes. We shortlist and verify importers from trade data and handle the outreach and follow-up, in Arabic or French.
Want to sell to Tunisia?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. Tell us your product and we'll check access rules and shortlist importers.
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