Egypt citrus exports rise to 2.4 million tons in 2025/26 season

EGYPT – Egypt’s citrus exports rose sharply in the 2025/26 season, with shipments reaching 2.44 million tonnes valued at US$1.34 billion, according to the Egyptian trade authority.

This marked a 16% increase in volume and a 23% rise in value compared with the previous season, when exports totalled 2.11 million tonnes worth US$1.09 billion.

All major citrus categories recorded growth. Orange exports rose 10% to 1.83 million tonnes, while mandarin shipments surged 47% to 361,122 tonnes. Fresh lemon exports rose 25% to 216,812 tonnes, and their value climbed 62%.

In addition, the average export value across citrus categories rose from approximately US$516 to US$548 per tonne.

For exporters, the gap between revenue growth and profitability is the key issue. Amged Nessem, export manager at Elteriak Farms, said that higher sales and export values did not necessarily translate into stronger margins, largely due to rising shipping costs.

For instance, war-risk insurance premiums and longer routes via the Cape of Good Hope increased freight costs, and exporters absorbed some of the increase to remain competitive.

At the same time, rising Egyptian production has intensified competition among suppliers and put pressure on export prices.

Nessem said future growth should focus not only on higher volumes but also on improving profitability and on strengthening Egypt’s position as a reliable supplier of consistent-quality citrus.

Meanwhile, the most striking shift was in market composition. Syria recorded particularly strong growth, emerging as a Middle East re-export hub, according to trade data.

Egyptian orange exports to Syria rose 162%, from 44,088 tonnes to 115,315 tonnes, moving the country from eighth to fourth place among Egypt’s orange markets. Mandarin exports rose 472%, lifting Syria from 14th to third place.

Across all citrus varieties, Egypt’s exports to Syria rose from about 50,900 tonnes to 163,200 tonnes, making Syria the largest contributor to Egypt’s citrus export growth for the season.

The season also ran unusually long, supported by favourable weather that reduced pest and fruit-fly pressure and let growers store crops beyond the usual May-June period, enabling Egypt to keep supplying Valencia and other late varieties while some competing origins faced tighter production.

Looking ahead, exporters see more predictable shipping conditions, diversified markets, and continued quality improvements as key to turning rising volumes into stronger, more sustainable profitability.

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