On April 15, 2025, Tunisia will host a delegation of Italian buyers focused on the textile and clothing sector, in a mission organized by the Tunisian Export Promotion Center (Cepex) with the support of its Milan office. This event is specifically tailored to promote Tunisian exports of women’s and children’s ready-to-wear clothing, jeans, and men’s shirts, while also seeking to strengthen commercial ties and explore new partnership opportunities between Tunisia and Italy.
Tunisia’s Growing Role in the European Textile Market
Tunisia continues to assert itself as a pivotal player in the European textile market. According to recent data from Cettex, Tunisia ranked as the European Union’s (EU) top supplier of professional clothing in 2024, holding a market share of 17.44%. This achievement underlines the country’s growing reputation for quality production and its competitiveness in the textile industry.
Strong Performance in Denim and Export Trends
Tunisia also maintains a strong presence in the denim fabric sector, where it placed fourth among EU suppliers with a market share of 8.21%. In 2024 alone, Tunisia exported approximately 9.7 million pieces of professional clothing to the EU, valued at €317.7 million. However, while the average unit price rose to €32.66, the total number of exported items dropped by 7% compared to 2023, indicating nuanced market dynamics. Notably, the majority of these exports were concentrated in three key markets: France (35.6%), Germany (30.7%), and Italy (9.7%).
In contrast, the jeans segment showed encouraging growth. Tunisia exported 16.84 million pieces of jeans in 2024, generating €357.6 million, reflecting a 4.26% increase in both volume and value compared to the previous year.
Italian Investments and Brand Presence in Tunisia
Italian companies have long recognized Tunisia’s potential as a strategic production hub, taking advantage of the skilled local labor force and lower production costs. Italy stands as the second-largest foreign investor in Tunisia’s textile and clothing sector, accounting for 22% of foreign investment, behind only France with 40%. Prominent Italian brands such as Benetton and Miroglio have established stores and manufacturing operations in Tunisia. These offshore facilities predominantly serve the European market, though local demand for Italian brands is also on the rise.
Cultural and Creative Collaboration: Fashion Festivals and Exchange
Cultural initiatives like the Festival de la Mode, last held in February in Hammamet, have played a key role in promoting Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and creative exchange between young designers from both countries.
Supporting SMEs and Sustainable Growth through Italian Credit
Cooperation between Tunisia and Italy in textiles has increasingly emphasized sustainability, innovation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In April 2024, the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti agreed on a €55 million Italian credit line to stimulate investments and boost economic growth. These funds offer Tunisian SMEs—especially those in textiles—the chance to modernize production, acquire new machinery, access technical services, and restructure finances under highly favorable terms: 2.5% interest for euro loans and 6.5% for loans in Tunisian dinars, with flexible repayment plans.
Wider EU-Tunisia Cooperation and the Circular Economy
This initiative forms part of a broader European strategy to support Tunisia’s economy. Projects like MedInChambers, funded by the EU Interreg Next Med program, aim to bolster cross-border cooperation while promoting environmental sustainability and regulatory alignment with European standards.
Tunisia is emerging not only as a production center but also as a partner in the transition to a circular economy, offering collaborative potential in design, sustainable textiles, and innovative techniques such as seamless clothing and eco-friendly denim washes. Over the past 25 years, Italian Cooperation has supported over 600 projects in Tunisia, creating more than 10,000 jobs and setting the foundation for future joint growth in the textile sector.
