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China-Africa Trade Information Service
http://info.afrindex.com
China-Africa Trade Information Service
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Ezzedine Chalghef, director General of Agricultural Production at the Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries Ministry said that olive oil production is expected to reach a record 350,000 tons by 2019-2020, more than the double of last season (140,000 tons).
Chalghef recalled that the all-time national record of olive oil production was achieved in 2015 and amounts to 340 thousand tonnes. The annual average domestic production in the past years stands at 180 thousand tonnes, he pointed out.
"The Sfax governorate is in the lead of regions producing olive oil (17% of the national production), followed by Mahdia (14%), Sidi Bouzid, Sousse and Kairouan," he noted.
"Only 20% of the Tunisian production is geared to the domestic market, while the remaining 80% are exported to 50 international destinations with the European Union as the major market with 70% of the country's exports," he added.
"The quantities of exported olive oil in the 2018/2019 season amounted to 148 thousand tonnes until end of September. As for packaged olive oil, Tunisia exported 18,700 tonnes (246 million dinars) and 37,500 tonnes of organic olive oil (416MD)."
"Export will last till the end of October. We are seeking an overall export of 160 thousand tonnes for this season."
As for the 2019-2020 season, Chalghef noted that Tunisia can regain its position as the world's second exporter, after Spain, with about 200 to 250 thousand tonnes sold abroad, especially with the lower production expected in some competing markets.
Olive trees cover an area of 1.9 million ha, that is 1/3 of agricultural lands nationwide.
