Tunisia has a relatively diversified economy, with agricultural, mining,
energy, and manufacturing production. The manufacturing industry is dominated by
textile and leathers operations, and accounts for 45% of total goods exports and
employ approximately half the labor force in the manufacturing sector.
Agribusiness, the second most important industry, includes flour milling; fish,
fruit, and vegetable canning; olive oil processing; and sugar refining.
Mechanical and electrical equipment production is the third most important
industry in Tunisia. As one of the world's largest sources of phosphates, the
country's mineral-processing industries are dominated by the manufacture of
phosphate fertilizers. Handicrafts industries produce clothing, rugs, pottery,
and copper and leather goods for both local and export markets
The skills of the Tunisian work force and their relatively low wages have led an increasing number of European clothing firms to subcontract their work to Tunisian factories, thereby causing a sharp increase in Tunisia's exports of clothing. The electrical power industry in Tunisia increased dramatically in the early 2000s, with the state supporting major renovations in existing plants, and the construction of new power plants. Tunisia has approximately 60 automotive assembly plants, and exports of automotive wire and cable accounted for grew by 9% in 2001, to $287 million.
An oil refinery at Bizerte has a production capacity of 34,000 barrels per day.
The skills of the Tunisian work force and their relatively low wages have led an increasing number of European clothing firms to subcontract their work to Tunisian factories, thereby causing a sharp increase in Tunisia's exports of clothing. The electrical power industry in Tunisia increased dramatically in the early 2000s, with the state supporting major renovations in existing plants, and the construction of new power plants. Tunisia has approximately 60 automotive assembly plants, and exports of automotive wire and cable accounted for grew by 9% in 2001, to $287 million.
An oil refinery at Bizerte has a production capacity of 34,000 barrels per day.
