The textile industries and clothing sector is considered strategic for the national economy of Tunisia. They were once key sectors of Tunisian manufacturing industry in terms of exports and employment. However, things are not the same and the sectors are in dire need of immediate support.

The President of the trade association of the garment and apparel and industries, Samir Ben Abdallah and consultant Slim Khedher, recently spoke about the current state of these segments, while outlining the prospects of their evolution in terms of social, economic and political development. The sector has 1,852 companies employing around 1,85,000 employees, or 34 per cent of all jobs in manufacturing. Of the 1,852 units of the sector, 1,548 companies produce for exports. 820 companies are operating in partnership, including 551 units being 100 per cent foreign owned.

They pointed out that the Tunisian textile sector is at strategic cross-roads and the government must take action to boost this industry. Compared to the years 2008 - 2009 - 2010 to today, the textile and clothing sector which represented 50 per cent in terms of employment and export value has declined to mere 30 per cent because the industry has emerged as just outsourcing destination or a market for subcontracting.