Egypt’s food exports rise with growing EU and Arab demand

Egypt’s processed food exports grew in the first seven months of the year, driven by stronger demand from Arab countries and particularly rapid growth in the European Union.

Exports rose 10 percent year on year to $4.47 billion during the period, Egypt’s Food Export Council (FEC) said.

Arab countries maintained their position as the largest market for such exports, with a value of $2.05 billion in the first 7 months of this year, up from $1.9 billion in the same period last year, the report said.

Europe emerged as the second largest market for Egypt’s food products, accounting for a quarter of exports, increasing 18 percent year on year to around $1 billion over the same period.

Exports to the US grew to $290 million, representing 6 percent of total exports.

In August last year, an official announced that Egypt aims to boost farming exports to around $19 billion in 2030.

The FEC has previously said Egypt’s main food exports include citrus fruits, potatoes, olives, frozen strawberries, grapes, mangoes, garlic, pasta, herbs and spices, and tahini products.

Further reading: