Egypt’s food exports rise to $2.4B in first four months of 2026

CAIRO – 14 June 2026: Egypt’s food industry exports increased by 7.1 percent year-on-year during the first four months of 2026, reaching $2.4 billion, compared to around $2.2 billion in the same period of 2025.

The growth highlights stronger international demand for Egyptian food products, supported by the continued expansion of local exporters across key regional and global markets.

April recorded the highest monthly export value during the January-April period, with food exports reaching $694 million, up from $631 million in April 2025, reflecting a 10.1 percent increase.

Arab countries remained the largest destination for Egyptian food exports, receiving $1.126 billion worth of products during the first four months of the year. This accounted for around 46 percent of total food exports and marked an increase of $39 million compared to the same period last year, according to the Food Export Council.

The European Union came in second, with exports reaching $551 million, representing nearly 23 percent of total exports and posting 15 percent growth. The increase was supported by rising demand for several Egyptian food products, particularly frozen strawberries, olives, and edible oils.

Exports to the United States also grew by 11 percent to reach $160 million.

Meanwhile, exports to non-Arab African markets declined by 6 percent to $155 million, while exports to the rest of the world rose by 11 percent to $441 million.

Saudi Arabia topped the list of the 20 largest importers of Egyptian food products during the period, with exports reaching around $213 million and recording 21 percent growth.

The United States ranked second with around $160 million in imports, up 11 percent, driven by higher demand for salt, frozen strawberries, processed olives, and various food preparations.

Jordan came in third, with exports reaching around $110 million, marking 22 percent growth, supported by increased shipments of fats, edible oils, and chocolate.

Spain ranked fourth, with exports reaching around $103 million. It recorded the highest increase among major markets, rising by $52 million, with a growth rate of 103 percent. This was mainly driven by a sharp rise in exports of edible oils, olive oil, and processed olives.

Exports to the Netherlands reached around $97 million, up 2 percent, while exports to Libya stood at $93 million, despite a 23 percent decline compared to the same period last year.

In terms of product categories, frozen strawberries led Egypt’s food industry exports during the first four months of 2026, with exports reaching around $321 million, up 11 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

Concentrates used in soft drink production ranked second, with exports worth around $202 million, recording 4 percent growth. Chocolate came in third, with exports reaching around $159 million, achieving a strong growth rate of 128 percent.

Edible oil exports stood at around $129 million, maintaining relative stability with 2 percent growth. Cereal preparations and biscuits recorded exports of around $107 million, up 10 percent, while prepared animal feed exports reached around $95 million, achieving 13 percent growth.