TUNIS, Aug 18 (NNN-TAP) — Tunisia’s fruit exports grew 28.8% in volume and 14.4% in value till Aug 5 in comparison with the same period in 2018, according to data provided by the National Inter-branch Group for Fruits and released by the National Agriculture Observatory.
The quantities of fruits exported reached 27,353 tonnes (62.9 million dinars) against 21,233 tonnes (55.01 MD) during the same period last year.
This rise is driven by higher watermelon exports to the Italian market which rebounded to 11,494 tonnes up from 8,123 tonnes in 2018.
Peaches are the most traded towards Libya with the volume of exports falling 3% to 6,637 tonnes against 6,837 tonnes during the 2017-2018 season; a 1% rise in value is reported.
The volume of melon and almond exports surged during this season to 1,538 tonnes and 1,007 tonnes respectively in comparison with 234 tonnes and 131 tonnes in 2018. Their value picked up 237% (melon) and 450% (almonds). Similarly, the volume of apricot exports grew from 2,238 tonnes in 2018 to 2,677 tonnes in 2019.
Meanwhile, the exports of some products saw their value edge down, such as grapes (-43%), prickly pears (-19%), raspberries (-10%) and nectarines (-2%).
Tunisia’s fruits are exported towards 25 destinations with Libya having the lion’s share during the first eight months of 2019 (42% in value and 55% in volume). Libya’s imports amounted to 26.657 MD, posting a 47.2% rise on last year. Italy follows with 22% in volume and 12% in value.
A downward trend is observed in the value of exports to Qatar (37.5%), the United States ( 37.4%), Kuwait (10%) and France (4%). — NNN-TAP