PALMOILMAGAZINE, TUNISIA – Indonesia and Tunisia are preparing to sign a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in January 2026, covering a wide range of agricultural and food commodities. The development was first reported by Jakarta Globe on November 25, citing Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, who stated that negotiations are “almost complete.”
A PTA provides tariff reductions and eases administrative barriers for selected goods traded between two countries. Under this agreement, Tunisia is set to grant special treatment to several key Indonesian products, including palm oil, bananas, cocoa, frozen fish, and textile yarns.
In return, Indonesia will lower import duties on a variety of Tunisian products, ranging from crustaceans to dates. Both countries believe the PTA will enhance their competitive edge in global markets, particularly against suppliers from other nations.
Also Read: KPBN Inacom CPO Price Drops IDR 168/kg on Wednesday (12/10)
Quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from ecofinagency.com on Sunday (December 7, 2025), the agreement is considered strategically important for Tunisia, especially as it seeks to strengthen olive oil exports for the 2025/2026 season. In October, the Tunisian government announced its intention to expand the market reach of its edible oil products into Asia and South America in anticipation of a production surplus next year.
Indonesia imported approximately US$21 million worth of olive oil in 2024, yet only 1% came from Tunisia. The North African nation continues to face strong competition from major suppliers such as Italy, Spain, Egypt, and Turkey, according to Trade Map data.
Also Read: Four Independent Smallholder Groups Achieve RSPO Certification under SMILE Program
Beyond olive oil, Tunisia is expected to tap into broader food export opportunities. UNCTAD data show that Indonesia imported an average of US$23.3 billion in food products annually between 2021 and 2023, indicating significant room for increased trade.
With negotiations nearing completion, the Tunisia–Indonesia PTA is poised to become an important milestone in bilateral trade relations, while also strengthening the market position of key commodities—most notably Indonesian palm oil—in the global arena. (P2)
