Summary:

On 10 October 2025, media outlets reported that Tunisia had suspended date exports to Morocco for the 2025–2026 season, following a statement from the Professional Group for Dates (GID) that excluded Morocco from the list of export destinations.

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The announcement triggered speculation of a politically motivated decision amid strained Tunisia–Morocco relations regarding Morocco’s policies related to Western Sahara. 

However, the GID’s commercial director, Kaïs Ben Arafa, later clarified that no suspension had been decided. He denied reports circulating on social media and said the communiqué had been misinterpreted. According to him, the Group’s intention was not to exclude Morocco, but to begin exports once regulatory procedures are finalized, starting with dates from Kébili governorate. 

Ben Arafa confirmed that a meeting with professional exporters was held earlier in the week, during which participants agreed to initiate shipments to Morocco in the coming days. He emphasized Morocco’s strategic importance as Tunisia’s leading market last season, importing about 23,000 tons of dates — ahead of European and emerging Asian destinations. 

He also highlighted positive indicators for the new season, with overall production expected to grow by around 16% and reference prices set at 5,200 millimes/kg for high-quality Deglet Nour and 4,500 millimes for medium calibers. 

President Kaïs Saied criticized the communiqué as irresponsible for suggesting the exclusion of a “brotherly country,” reaffirming Tunisia’s commitment to expanding its export markets and warning that such missteps risk undermining national efforts. 

Outlook: 

The clarification from the GID largely defuses the diplomatic tension that followed the reports of suspension. The quick denial and coordination with exporters indicate a willingness to avoid political escalation and maintain stable trade flows with Morocco. 

Nonetheless, the episode underscores the fragile communication and coordination between state-linked professional groups and the presidency, reflecting a broader pattern of institutional misalignment under Saied’s administration.  

Economically, the reaffirmed export plans and strong harvest indicators suggest a positive short-term outlook for Tunisia’s date sector, though any reputational uncertainty could temporarily affect market confidence.  

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