The promotion of Tunisian olive oil in the United States was a central topic during high-level discussions between Tunisia and the U.S., underscoring the growing focus on bilateral trade and industrial collaboration.
The talks were held on Thursday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, where Minister Fatma Thabet Chiboub met with U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Bill Bazzi. Also present were Secretary of State for Energy Transition Wael Chouchane and other senior officials from the ministry.
The discussions highlighted the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries and explored opportunities to strengthen partnership in strategic sectors, particularly industry and energy. Both sides expressed commitment to expanding trade links and fostering cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Olive oil, one of Tunisia’s key agricultural exports, was at the forefront of the conversation, with Chiboub emphasising efforts to increase market penetration in the United States. Tunisian producers have long sought to capitalise on rising U.S. demand for high-quality olive oil, highlighting the product’s authenticity, organic cultivation methods, and nutritional value.
“Promoting Tunisian olive oil in the U.S. market is not only an economic priority but also a means of showcasing Tunisia’s agricultural expertise,” Chiboub said. She added that her ministry was committed to developing new projects that leverage American expertise to enhance production, quality standards, and export capacities.
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The talks also covered industrial sectors with high value-added potential, including aeronautical components, electronics, mechanical industries, and ceramics. Both parties discussed energy cooperation, particularly renewable energy initiatives, and explored ways to support investment and scientific research in Tunisia’s mining sector.
Ambassador Bazzi praised Tunisian engineers and technicians for their skills and professionalism, highlighting the country’s capacity to contribute to advanced industrial projects. “The United States remains committed to supporting investment and economic development in Tunisia,” he said, noting the strategic importance of strengthening bilateral trade and technical collaboration.
Economic analysts say Tunisia’s olive oil industry, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s agricultural exports, has faced challenges in reaching key international markets due to competition, logistics, and certification standards. Enhanced cooperation with U.S. partners could help address these issues, expanding export volumes and improving profitability for small and medium-scale producers.
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The meeting reflects broader efforts by Tunisian authorities to diversify trade and industrial partnerships, reduce reliance on traditional markets, and encourage private sector-led growth. Olive oil, electronics, and renewable energy are seen as sectors capable of driving both employment and foreign exchange earnings.
Chiboub highlighted the importance of aligning Tunisia’s industrial and energy policies with global standards, noting that collaboration with U.S. counterparts would provide access to advanced technologies and best practices.
The discussions concluded with a reaffirmation of shared commitment to strengthening economic ties, promoting Tunisian products abroad, and supporting innovation and investment in priority sectors. Officials said follow-up meetings and joint initiatives would be scheduled to implement concrete steps agreed during the talks.
As Tunisia seeks to expand its presence in international markets, olive oil remains a flagship product, representing both the country’s agricultural heritage and its potential for economic growth through strategic partnerships. The dialogue with U.S. stakeholders signals a renewed focus on enhancing quality, boosting exports, and leveraging bilateral cooperation to support Tunisia’s industrial and agricultural ambitions.
Tunisia is the world’s fourth-largest producer of olive oil, after Spain, Italy, and Greece, and the leading exporter of organic olive oil globally. Olive cultivation is a cornerstone of Tunisia’s agricultural sector, with over 80 million olive trees planted across the country, spanning both small family farms and larger commercial estates. The olive tree is deeply embedded in Tunisian culture and economy, providing livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of farmers, particularly in rural regions such as Sfax, Kairouan, Sousse, and the Cap Bon peninsula.
Tunisian olive oil is known for its high quality, robust flavor, and rich nutritional profile, making it a preferred choice in European and increasingly North American markets. A significant share of production is organic, positioning Tunisia as a key player in the growing global demand for sustainable and healthy oils.
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The country’s olive oil sector contributes substantially to export revenues, accounting for more than 10 percent of Tunisia’s total agricultural exports in recent years. Exports are concentrated in the European Union, but there is growing interest in the U.S., Canada, and Asia, driven by rising awareness of the Mediterranean diet.
Despite its strengths, the Tunisian olive oil industry faces challenges, including fluctuating global prices, climate-related risks such as droughts, and competition from other Mediterranean producers. Certification, traceability, and marketing are key hurdles for entering premium markets, while logistics and packaging infrastructure remain areas for improvement.
To address these challenges, the Tunisian government and industry stakeholders have invested in modern processing facilities, quality control laboratories, and marketing campaigns, aiming to increase international market penetration. Bilateral trade discussions, such as the recent talks with the U.S., are part of efforts to expand export opportunities, enhance technical cooperation, and promote Tunisia’s olive oil brand globally.
Olive oil production in Tunisia is both an economic driver and a cultural emblem, linking the country’s agricultural heritage with modern trade ambitions and positioning Tunisian olive oil as a symbol of quality, sustainability, and national pride.
