Tunisia, 2nd largest producer: the export overview

In brief. Tunisia is the 2nd largest olive oil producer in the world, behind Spain, with 2025-2026 output estimated at 400-500 kt (global production ~3.44 Mt according to the IOC). Its exports are up +57.9% in volume over the first 7 months of the season, at TND 4,058 M (+44.9%). Exports remain mostly in bulk (87.5%) to Spain, Italy and the United States. Bulk price at origin: from ~€3.80/kg. A strategic supplier for any importer.

Behind Spain, Tunisia stands out as the discreet pillar of the global olive oil market: it supplies volume to the major basins that re-export or bottle. Here is the full overview of that export — production, destinations, prices, positioning — with dated figures to be re-verified at source.

Tunisia, 2nd largest olive oil producer in the world

Tunisia holds the 2nd rank worldwide in olive oil production, behind Spain and ahead of Italy and Greece. For the 2025-2026 season, its output is estimated at 400-500 kt, a record level, within total global production of around 3.44 Mt.

This position is explained by a vast olive grove, often made up of old olive trees grown in a low-intensity way, and by a favourable climate. The dominant varieties are Chemlali (South, sweet and fruity oil) and Chetoui (North, ardent, rich in polyphenols), to which are added Oueslati and other regional varieties.

Fast-growing exports

Over the first 7 months of the 2025-2026 season, Tunisian exports rise sharply:

Indicator	2025-26 value
Exported volume	+57.9%
Export revenue	TND 4,058 M (+44.9%)
Share of bulk	87.5%
Share of packaged	12.5%
Average price (May 2026)	TND 12.96/kg (8.69–16.91 by category)
Organic packaged premium	TND 17.06/kg vs bulk 13.81 (+24%)

The rise in value (+44.9%) remains below that of volume (+57.9%), a sign of easing average prices linked to abundance — logical in a record year. Track prices in €/kg on the price observatory.

Where does Tunisian olive oil go?

The season's destinations break down as follows:

Destination	Share of exports
Spain	33.6%
Italy	19.5%
United States	18.3%
Saudi Arabia	5.5%
Canada	3%
France	2.4%
Egypt + others	balance

Spain and Italy remain the top outlets: part of this oil is re-exported there or bottled under a brand. This is not a flaw of the Tunisian sector, but a reflection of its quality-to-price positioning, detailed on the origins comparison.

Bulk, the heart of Tunisian export

With 87.5% of volumes, bulk largely dominates Tunisian export. It moves mainly in flexitank (~22,000 L, the cheapest format per tonne), in IBC (1,000 L) or in drums.

This bulk model makes Tunisia a benchmark supply source: it feeds packers, bottlers and brand creators. Packaged (12.5%) is nonetheless growing, driven by award-winning Tunisian brands and the rise of private label.

Quality: an award-winning origin

Tunisian competitiveness is not limited to price. Tunisian oils accumulate international distinctions — 26 awards at NYIOOC 2024, with a ~72% success rate. Benchmark brands such as Terra Delyssa (CHO), Rivière d'Or or Moulins Mahjoub illustrate this quality level.

On the technical side, Chetoui often exceeds the 250 mg/kg polyphenol threshold that unlocks the EFSA health claim — a major B2B selling point. Always require a COA (certificate of analysis) per lot, issued by an IOC-approved laboratory.

What this overview changes for an importer

• Available volume — the world no.2 easily secures large tonnages, including organic.
• Low entry price — bulk at origin from ~€3.80/kg, the most competitive at equivalent extra virgin quality.
• Award-winning quality — pronounced aromatic profiles, high polyphenols (Chetoui), international distinctions.
• EU quota — the 0% quota runs out every year: ordering early secures the best landed price.

The mistake to avoid

Underestimating Tunisia because part of its oil is re-exported under other flags. It is precisely the opposite: if the major basins buy it, it is because the quality-to-price ratio is hard to match. Buying at origin means capturing that value without an intermediary.

FAQ

Is Tunisia really the world's 2nd largest olive oil producer?

Yes, Tunisia is the world's 2nd largest producer, behind Spain, with 2025-2026 output estimated at 400-500 kt within a global total of around 3.44 Mt (IOC estimate). These figures are dated and to be re-verified before commitment.

By how much are Tunisian exports growing?

Over the first 7 months of the 2025-2026 season, exports are up +57.9% in volume and reach TND 4,058 M (+44.9%). The rise in value, below that of volume, reflects easing average prices in a record year.

Which countries does Tunisia export to?

Mainly Spain (33.6%), Italy (19.5%) and the United States (18.3%), followed by Saudi Arabia, Canada and France. Part of the oil sent to Spain and Italy is re-exported there or bottled under a brand.

Why does Tunisia export mostly in bulk?

Bulk accounts for 87.5% of exports, because Tunisia plays a supply role for foreign packers and bottlers. Bulk (flexitank, IBC, drums) is also the cheapest format per tonne. Packaged (12.5%) is nonetheless growing.

Is Tunisian olive oil good quality?

Yes. Tunisia won 26 awards at NYIOOC 2024, and the Chetoui variety often exceeds the EFSA claim polyphenol threshold. Quality is verified lot by lot via the COA from an IOC-approved laboratory. See the origins comparison.

What is the price of Tunisian olive oil for export?

At origin, in bulk extra virgin, expect from ~€3.80/kg, excluding freight, duties and VAT. The average export price across all categories came out at TND 12.96/kg in May 2026. Follow prices in €/kg on the price observatory.

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Do you want to source at the source? Request a dated quote: quotation by format, category and Incoterm within 24-48h. Follow prices on the price observatory and compare origins on the comparison.

Article in English. Export figures 2025-2026 dated (July 2026) and; no fabricated data, values taken from sector surveys and the IOC.