Exports from the mining, phosphate and derivatives sectors increased significantly by 37.5% at the end of August 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, mainly to the United States, according to statistical data recently published by the National Statistics Institute (INS). “The energy sector recorded the strongest growth in exports up to the end of August 2023, with an increase of 79.3%, mainly due to crude oil exports to Italy,” the INS said. In addition, exports of miscellaneous manufacturing and agriculture and food increased by 12.5% and 3.9% respectively. Indicators for the phosphates sector improved, particularly for exports to world markets, with a number of markets (European, Asian and Latin American) recovering, in addition to the entry of the Turkish market. The Gafsa Phosphates Company (CPG) has shipped several consignments of commercial phosphate to the Turkish market, the latest of which was 33,000 tonnes at the end of July. CPG is working to develop its production and exports. To this end, the company recently unveiled a programme to export 150,000 tonnes of phosphate to several foreign customers. It recently announced the allocation of an investment budget of TND 236 million as part of a programme approved by the National Security Council last May to study the issue of phosphate production in Tunisia. With these new investments, which will take place between 2023 and 2024, CPG aims to renew 30% of its fleet of mining equipment.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse