2011 年后突尼斯非正式跨境贸易的隐藏面孔

Summary:

The Hidden Face of Informal Cross-Border Trade in Tunisia After 2011 by Hamza Meddeb explores the resilience and evolution of informal trade in Tunisia following the 2011 uprising. Despite tightened border controls and increased security measures in land corridors, informal trade, particularly maritime trade, continues to flourish.

Key Points:

1. Cross-Border Trade Under Ben Ali's Regime: Prior to the 2011 uprising, informal trade routes, especially the "line" or al-khat, dominated the Tunisian economy. This land corridor connected Tunisia with Libya, providing a system where customs officers underassessed tariffs in exchange for kickbacks. Goods included essential items like fuel, electronics, and clothing.

2. Reconfiguration of Informal and Illicit Trade Networks: Post-2011, the Tunisian authorities' stringent border controls aimed at reducing smuggling and terrorism did not significantly impact informal trade. Instead, the focus shifted to maritime corridors, which became the primary channels for illicit trade due to their ability to supply the Tunisian economy with more competitive goods from Asia and Turkey.

3. Dynamism of Maritime Corridors: The rise of maritime trade networks is attributed to the emergence of small entrepreneurs and underprivileged individuals operating through informal trade networks connecting Tunisian and Asian ports. Established firms also adopted informal strategies to bypass trade barriers and restrictions, highlighting a strategic shift in Tunisia's trade relationships towards Turkey and China.

4. Impact on the Tunisian Economy: Informal maritime trade has supplied the Tunisian economy with more competitive equipment and consumer goods, contributing to a progressive decoupling from Europe and an increase in trade with Turkey and China. This shift is reflected in the dynamics of maritime trade routes and the importance of ports in facilitating informal trade.

5. Response of Tunisian Authorities: Despite efforts to suppress informal trade activity through heavy-handed measures, these actions have paradoxically reinforced the adaptability of informal trade networks and increased the significance of ports in facilitating illicit trade. The authorities' simplistic approach has failed to effectively curb informal trade, emphasizing the need for more nuanced strategies addressing the underlying economic and social factors driving this phenomenon.