The Tunisian Qafsa Phosphate Company’s annual report revealed that its turnover had declined by 14 percent last year. Similarly, the turnover of the Tunisian Chemical Complex fell by 17 percent, according to Al-Hayat daily.
The report attributed faltering Tunisian phosphate sales to falling international demands, which had, in comparison, steadily risen over the past five years.
Another reason cited for the phosphate market slump is the appearance of new phosphate producers throughout global markets, mainly, India and China.
Despite this recent drop, overall exports from Tunisia have reportedly increased by 23.1 percent during the first quarter of 2001, while imports also rose by 28 percent, reported the Tunisian national statistics institute. –(Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
