Tunisia’s GDP dropped 1.7% in the first quarter (Q1) of 2020 compared to the same quarter of 2019 and 2% compared to Q4 of 2019, according to data published Friday by the National Statistics Institute (INS).
Added-value of manufacturing industries posts 1.6% drop
The added value of manufacturing industries posted a 1.6% drop in Q1 of 2020 compared to the same period and Q4 of 2019. This drop is the result of declining production in the sectors of textile-clothing and leather and footwear (-15.3%), mechanical and electrical engineering industries (-9.2%) and building materials and ceramics industries (-8.4%).
The added value of chemical industries showed an upward tendency (+15.6%). Agri-food industries followed suit (+20.3%) driven by a record olive oil production.
Added-value of non-manufacturing industries post a year-on-year drop of 4.5%, down 5.2% in comparison with Q4 of 2019
The added value of non-manufacturing industries fell 4.5% on a year-on-year basis and 5.2% compared to Q4 of 2019.
This drop is attributable to a decrease in oil and natural gas extraction (-4.8%) and the building materials sector (8.9%).
The mining sector reported a 19.7% growth as phosphate production stood at 1.2 million tonnes in Q1 of 2020 against 0.8 million tonnes during the same period in the previous year.
Added-value of market-related services down 3.4% on a year-on-year basis; down 4,.6% in comparison with Q4 of 2019
The sector was the hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis and was affected by the lockdown measures, the INS said. The added value showed a year-on-year drop of 4,6% compared to Q4 of 2019.
This changing trend is due to the decline in added value in most sectors, such as hotel services, restaurants and cafes (-16.8%), due to the shutdown decision since March and the spread of the virus in Europe since February which severely impacted hotel services, causing a 23% drop in the number of nights.
The value-added of the transport sector surged down 12.1% due to the decline in the activity given the fall in economic activity, restrictions on travel at home and overseas and a slump in foreign trade.
Non-market services (mainly administrative services) posted a 0.3% increase.
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