Egypt’s food industry exports reached $4.6 billion from January to September 2024, marking an 18% growth and an increase of $688 million compared to the same period in 2023, when exports totaled $3.9 billion.
This record-breaking performance was highlighted in a recent report by Egypt’s Food Export Council, headed by Mahmoud Bazan, who noted that the sector achieved its highest export value and growth rate in history during this period.
Arab countries remained Egypt’s largest importers, accounting for 52% of total food exports, valued at $2.4 billion—a 12% increase from the previous year. The European Union followed as the second-largest market, importing $953 million, which represents 21% of total exports and a 42% growth. Non-Arab African countries imported $371 million, a 14% increase, while exports to the U.S. reached $249 million, up 37%. Other international markets accounted for $641 million, or 14% of exports, with a 7% growth.
Saudi Arabia was Egypt’s top individual importer, with exports totaling $353 million—up 15% from the previous year. Other notable importers included Sudan, with $306 million (a 25% decrease), the U.S. at $249 million, up 37%, and Palestine with $245 million (up 23%). A significant highlight was the Netherlands, where Egyptian food exports surged by 108% to reach $212 million, while exports to Morocco and Spain grew by 98% and 75%, respectively.
The top exported products included soft drink concentrates, which totaled $421 million (a 7% increase), flour and starch at $389 million (1% growth), and frozen strawberries at $337 million (an 18% increase). Egypt’s frozen potato exports experienced the most significant growth, soaring by an impressive 860% to reach $168 million.