Olive Oil Windfall Becomes Lifeline for Tunisia With IMF on Hold.

Tunisia has turned to olive oil exports as a financial lifeline amid economic challenges and stalled talks with the International Monetary Fund. Revenues from olive oil sales abroad nearly doubled to $1.1 billion in the first half of the export year, surpassing earnings from tourism and other industries. While the olive oil industry has provided a boost to Tunisia's economy, the country still faces significant financial hurdles and relies on funding from sources like Saudi Arabia and Afreximbank. The industry has persevered through climate change and political upheaval, employing over a million people and contributing to a third of Tunisia's agricultural output. However, Tunisia still faces a current account deficit and declining foreign currency reserves. [Extracted from the article]