File Photo: A farmer shows his harvested strawberry crop in a field in the Beheira governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt. Reuters
The 11 percent increase—amounting to $570 million—reinforces the sector’s position as one of the strongest contributors to Egypt’s non-oil exports, accounting for around 14 percent of the total and ranking third among the country’s leading export sectors.
Monthly data showed consistent momentum. The sector began the year with exports worth $530 million in January, up from $479 million the previous year, before experiencing minor dips in February and March. The second quarter delivered the sharpest gains, with exports rising markedly in April and May before stabilizing in June.
The upward trend continued through the third quarter, as July, August, and September all recorded double-digit annual growth. October closed the ten months with one of the strongest monthly performances at $601 million, up from $493 million last year. By the end of October, total exports had reached $5.7 billion, the highest level ever recorded for this timeframe.
Regional and global markets continued to drive the sector’s trajectory.
Arab states remained the largest destination for Egyptian food exports, receiving $2.79 billion, 48 percent of the total.
The European Union (EU) ranked second with $1.15 billion, while exports to African markets outside the Arab region stood at $432 million. The United States recorded a notable jump to $371 million, marking 36 percent growth over last year.
China delivered one of the most striking surges, with imports rising to $124 million from $52 million, a 140 percent increase. Altogether, the top twenty importing countries accounted for roughly $4 billion of total exports.
Product-level data underscored the sector’s growing diversity and competitiveness.
Frozen strawberries led exports at $648 million, up from $358 million last year, an 81 percent rise. Cola concentrates followed at $488 million, while edible oil exports climbed to $356 million. Sugar exports fell to $318 million, while cereal-based preparations, biscuits, and related products reached $304 million.
Flour and milling product exports declined to $274 million, while other categories, including frozen vegetables, frozen potatoes, animal feed preparations, chocolate, and processed vegetables, saw mixed results.
The overall mix highlights the breadth of Egyptian food production and the sector’s expanding global footprint.
According to Mahmoud Bazan, Chair of the Food Export Council, the strong results reflect sustained coordination between government bodies and manufacturers to boost competitiveness and facilitate market access.
He said rising export volumes are supported by improvements in food safety systems and regulatory oversight, noting that inspection missions from institutions such as the European Commission and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly confirm compliance with global standards.
Bazan added that expanding export markets, strengthening quality systems, and enhancing supply-chain efficiency will remain priorities as international demand for Egyptian food products grows.
Under Egypt’s new economic narrative, the government aims for 20 percent annual growth in the exports sector through 2030, focusing on tourism, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and information and communication technology.
The plan aims to raise GDP growth to seven percent and create 1.5 million new job opportunities by 2030.
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