Tunisia’s yacht makers aim to double exports by 2030, seeking more foreign-currency earnings from a sector whose association estimated 2025 exports at about €500 million, Reuters reported.
The goal implies exports of roughly €1 billion by 2030, but Reuters did not report a separate formal target at that amount.
Tunisia’s Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII), citing National Institute of Statistics data, lists HS 8903 exports at 337.7 million Tunisian dinars in 2023 and 180.5 million dinars for January-August 2024. The classification includes yachts and other pleasure or sports boats, as well as rowing boats and canoes. The official figures are in dinars and cover earlier periods than the association’s estimate in euros.
Europe received 87% of Tunisia’s HS 8903 exports by value in 2023, according to the APII profile. France accounted for 41% and Italy for 26%. The profile counted 16 operating firms with at least 10 employees, including 12 fully export-oriented companies; the 16 firms had 1,751 jobs. That employee threshold differs from the association’s broader count: its head, Montassar Dhiaf, told Reuters the sector had about 75 companies, up from roughly 20 a decade earlier.
Reuters reported that Dhiaf credited Italian expertise with helping Tunisian yards move from supplying parts to building complete yachts. Reuters also reported that French builders, including Beneteau Group, operate in Tunisia. The outlet reported that skilled labor, competitive costs and proximity to Europe have helped the industry develop.
In Bizerte, boatbuilder Tarek Rassas’ family operation produces about 10 yachts annually and employs around 60 people, Reuters reported. Rassas told the outlet the business plans to double production; its boats sell for up to €400,000 each. Reuters also reported that low local wages — averaging a few hundred dollars a month — leave few Tunisians able to afford the vessels.
Reuters reported that Dhiaf said export growth could support foreign-currency reserves and create jobs. He called for specialized training centers and tax incentives, proposals Reuters reported but no government decision on which was cited.
