Tunisia: Oilseeds and Products Annual
The Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture estimated olive oil production for MY 2015/16 at 150,000 MT, down from the previous year’s production of 340,000 MT. The smaller quantity was mostly due to the natural alternating olive production cycle. Olive oil production for MY 2016/17 is forecast at 200,000 MT due to the lack of rainfall this winter, particularly in Tunisia's central region. Soybean imports have grown modestly the last five years from 451,000 MT in MY 2011/12 to an estimated 500,000 MT in MY 2015/16. Total soybean imports are projected to be around 510,000 MT in MY 2016/17 due to Tunisia’s stabilized soybean meal demand. After some initial reluctance, a new market for soybean hulls has developed in Tunisia. Soybean hulls are expected to be an expanding market with good U.S. export opportunities in the coming years.
