A revised regulation adopted January 30, 2015 has adjusted the monthly export quota fixed by the European Commission in order to take into account the current production year and facilitate the olive oil trading between Tunisia and the EU.
From now until the end of October 2015, the amount of olive oil Tunisia can export to Europe will be fixed at 9,000 tons for February and March, and 8,000 tons from April to October.
The overall annual quota, however, remains unchanged. Under the Association Agreement between the EU and Tunisia, olive oil exports from Tunisia to the EU are subject to a quota of 56,700 tons per year.
The European Commission’s decision follows a request from the Tunisian authorities to increase the monthly export quotas so Tunisian producers can benefit as much as possible from their export potential immediately following an excellent olive harvest.
During this crop year, Tunisian olive oil production increased by 400 percent, making it the world’s second largest producer after Spain.
Olive oil is Tunisia’s main agricultural export to the EU, and the olive oil industry is an important part of the country’s economy, providing direct and indirect employment to more than one million people and representing one-fifth of the country’s total agricultural employment.
In a statement dated January 30, 2015, the European Commission said the revised quotas reflected the EU’s commitment to its partnership with Tunisia at a time when the country is heading towards a democratic path following legislative and presidential elections.
Europe reiterated its political and financial support to Tunisia’s new government for the reforms needed to strengthen democratic gains and address socio-economic challenges.
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