The US government has reopened trade talks with Tunisia, following that country’s spring revolution. By enhancing ties between the two countries, the US hopes to insure that Tunisia makes a stable and sustainable transition to democracy.
Negotiations are occurring under a 2002 framework called the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). An initial round of meetings held in September will be followed by the establishment of a US-Tunisia Council on Trade and Investment.
Tunisia has a robust garment and apparel sector, specializing in semi-finished goods and footwear manufacturing. According to the United States Trade Representative, US exports to Tunisia were $571 million in 2010 and US imports were approximately $406 million. 23.8% of that total, or $71.7 million, consisted of apparel imports.
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