Tunisian Car Market in 2026 struggles to expand. Q1 figures fell by 2.2%, with BYD defying the broader contraction and surging in 1st while Kia followed in 2nd. The chinese carmaker also supported growth in the EV sector to a share of 14.35%.
Economic Environment
Tunisia is targeting inflation stability at 5.3% in 2026, maintaining the level achieved in 2025 after a decline from 7% in 2024. This reflects a broader effort to protect purchasing power and sustain disinflation. The downward trend has been supported by stable global commodity prices, a steady exchange rate, and improved domestic supply. Monetary policy also played a role, with cautious rate cuts helping contain price pressures.
While food inflation remained relatively elevated in 2025, declines in key items like edible oil and stable core inflation supported overall moderation. For 2026, authorities expect easing food price pressures to further support stability. The government plans to strengthen market oversight, combat speculation and monopolies, and improve distribution efficiency through digitisation.
Automotive Industry Trend and Outlook
After reporting significant expansion in 2025, the tunisian vehicle market is struggling in 2026. Q1 closed on a negative note, with year-on-year volume down 2.2% to 13,404 units.
Brand-wise, the market leader became BYD, climbing 25 spots and securing a 13.3% share. Kia followed in 2nd, up 3 spots and 58.5% with 11.4% of the market while Renault rose 1 spot in 3rd with 9.6%, (+27.5%). Toyota ranked 4th -down 1 spot- while losing 14.9% and Chery emerged into 5th while climbing 9 spots and 156.5%.
EV Market Trend and Outlook
Tunisia’s ev market withstood contraction in 2026, mostly thanks to BYD’s expansion into the country. Reaching a 14.35% share, the segment is expected to grow in the future as the government laid out a policy mix of incentives and tax cuts to meet 2035 targets.
BYD became the new segment’s leader with a share of about 93%. Hyundai ranked 2nd while Link&Co followed in 3rd.
Medium-Term Market Trend
Starting from 54,426 units in 2014, Tunisia’s vehicle market grew steadily for four years, peaking at 62,363 units in 2017 (+2.2%). The market then declined, with two consecutive years of losses bringing 2019 sales down 15.9% from the peak. Despite global trends, Tunisia’s light vehicle sector showed resilience during COVID-19, with 2020 sales rising 2.6% to 50,796 units.
Momentum strengthened in 2021, as sales jumped to 61,578 units (+21.2%). However, 2022 saw a 9.7% drop to about 55,578 units, driven by inflation, weaker purchasing power, and import and logistics delays. The market stabilized in 2023 at 56,324 units (+1.3%), with confidence gradually improving.
Growth remained modest in 2024, reaching 57,283 units (+1.7%), and is projected to rise to 63,431 units in 2025. Electric vehicle sales, while still limited, increased from 503 units in 2024 to 1,020 in 2025, indicating early-stage adoption.
Tables with sales figures
In the tables below we report sales for Top 10 brands.
