Egypt’s food exports reach record $3.77B in H1 2026

CAIRO – 27 July 2026: Egypt’s food industry exports climbed 10.5 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, reaching a record $3.771 billion, according to the Food Export Council.

The figure marked the highest half-year export value in the sector’s history, up from $3.414 billion during the same period in 2025.

The increase was driven by growth across a wider range of markets and products, with 108 countries recording higher imports of Egyptian food products.

The European Union posted the strongest growth among the main international market groups, while the second quarter accounted for around 66 percent of the total increase recorded during the six-month period.

Exports reached approximately $1.76 billion in the first quarter, rising 7.5 percent year-on-year, before accelerating to $2.01 billion in the second quarter, up 13.2 percent.

Arab countries remained the largest destination for Egyptian food exports, receiving shipments worth around $1.74 billion during the first half of the year.

Exports to the region increased by 9.4 percent and represented approximately 46 percent of the sector’s total shipments.

The European Union ranked second, with exports valued at $852 million, up 15.4 percent year-on-year. Its share of total food exports rose to approximately 23 percent.

Together, Arab countries and the European Union accounted for around 69 percent of the sector’s total exports, while the United States, non-Arab African countries and other global markets represented the remaining 31 percent.

Saudi Arabia retained its position as Egypt’s largest individual food export market, with shipments reaching $308 million, an increase of 18 percent.

The United States ranked second with exports of approximately $255 million, up 9 percent, followed by Jordan with $166 million, representing growth of 24 percent.

Frozen strawberries remained Egypt’s leading food export, generating $489 million in revenues during the first half of the year, up 8 percent.

Soft drink concentrates ranked second with exports worth $306 million, rising 2 percent, while edible oil exports increased by 26 percent to $230 million.