Food Security, Competitiveness and Trade: The Case of Tunisian Agriculture

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview about the competitiveness of the Tunisian agri-food sector before signing the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU. Agri-food sector plays a vital role in Tunisian economy and exports. However, the globalization of markets can influence the comparative advantage of agri-food sector enjoyed by Tunisia in exporting several Mediterranean products and increase competition. Tunisian agricultural sector's competitiveness is deeply concerned given the particular economic context in the country after the revolution and the important competition atmosphere in the Mediterranean area. Meanwhile, food security is an essential priority that cannot be compromised. Tunisia should tradeoff between two options by signing the DCFTA agreement: Developing agri-food exports in free trade area or protecting local market and the implementation of new policies to ensure food security. An analysis of the competitive advantage of the Tunisian agri-food sector reveals an important potential of exporting some agri-food staples. Recently, Tunisia is facing new challenges in exporting strategic products such as dates and olive oil, underlying the importance of adopting new business and marketing strategies, such as conditioning, packaging or prospecting new markets.