Tunisia’s jeans exports to the US increased by 69.4 per cent in volume and 84.3 per cent in value in 2021 compared to 2020, with 366 thousand pieces worth $9.33 million. The average price of Tunisian Jeans trousers increased 8.77 per cent to $25.5 in 2021, as per an analysis by the Textile Technical Centre (CETTEX). As per an African Manager report, US’ jeans imports grew 31.8 per cent in volume and 30 per cent in value in 2021. Imports from Bangladesh, Mexico, Vietnam, China, Pakistan and Cambodia covered 80 per cent of the US market share in jeans.

The textile and clothing sector in Tunisia can benefit from the US market provided it abolishes the customs duties of 17 per cent. On signing a preferential agreement, the sector could get 3 per cent of the total US market share of jeans and generate a positive dynamic of exports and of job creation. Value of exports is likely to increase to $108 million while volume will increase to 3.67 million. This will create almost 15,000 direct jobs and 22,500 indirect jobs.