Tunisian olive oil, recognized for its exceptional quality, plays a central role in agricultural exports from Tunisia to the United States.
In 2023, Tunisia exported approximately $ 933 million in the United States for around $ 933 million, whose virgin olive oil represented $ 218 million.
However, the recent announcement of President Donald Trump, on April 2, 2025, concerning the establishment of reciprocal customs tariffs on imports, arouses major concerns for Tunisian producers and exporters of olive oil. This policy, called “Liberation Day”, aims to impose a basic tariff of 28 % on all Tunisian imports, with higher rights for certain countries.
Although the specific details concerning the products and affected countries have not yet been fully disclosed, the past experience suggests that olive oil could be directly concerned. Indeed, during Trump’s previous mandate, in 2019, a price of 25 % was imposed on Spanish olive oil, resulting in a fall in Spanish exports to the United States from 50 to 80 %, depending on the type of oil.
If similar prices were applied to Tunisian olive oil, the consequences could be significant. Tunisian exporters could lose a substantial share of their American market, forcing producers to seek alternative markets or reduce their production. In addition, American consumers would face an increase in olive oil prices, which could reduce overall demand.
It is essential that the Tunisian authorities quickly engage in diplomatic discussions with their American counterparts to clarify the situation and, if necessary, negotiate exemptions or reductions in prices. At the same time, Tunisian producers should explore the diversification of their export markets to mitigate the risks associated with excessive dependence on the American market.
