Tunisia overtakes Turkey to become world’s second-largest olive oil producer

Tunisia increased olive oil production by 38% in 2025/26 to 470 thsd tons, up from 340 thsd tons a year earlier. According to USDA, this lifted the country to second place among the world’s largest producers.

Tunisia’s olive oil exports also rose by 38% to 400 thsd tons. The country’s stronger position was supported by a sharp decline in production in Turkey.

Turkey’s olive oil output in 2025/26 nearly halved to 210 thsd tons from 410 thsd tons in the previous season. As a result, the country lost its second-place position to Tunisia in the global producer ranking.

The EU remains the world’s largest producer, with output estimated at around 2.09 mln tons, down 0.9% y/y. EU exports are forecast to decline by 5.5%, or 47 thsd tons.

Global olive oil production in 2025/26 is expected at 3.278 mln tons, down 1.6% from 3.333 mln tons a year earlier. At the same time, global exports are forecast to rise by 3.2%, from 1.354 mln to 1.398 mln tons.

Tags: Turkey, olive oil, Tunisia