Tunisia turns to Egyptian tomato imports amid market debate

Tunisia has begun importing tomatoes from Egypt to address supply shortages and price spikes that saw costs reach 6 dinars per kilogram. The Ministry of Commerce has set price caps at 2.8 dinars for wholesale and 3.48 dinars for retail. Despite assurances from the interprofessional vegetable group regarding health inspections, the move has triggered public controversy over product quality and irrigation standards. The domestic scarcity is attributed to summer heat and hail in the Kasserine region. Simultaneously, the industrial sector in Nabeul is struggling with large stocks of tomato paste, highlighting systemic challenges within the Tunisian agricultural industry.