Egypt gains 21 new export markets as agricultural shipments top 5.8 million tons
The Egyptian government said that fresh and processed agricultural exports generated approximately US$11.5 billion in 2025.
EGYPT – Egypt secured access to 21 new export markets for agricultural products in the first half of 2026, with agricultural exports exceeding 5.8 million tonnes between the start of the year and 11 July, according to the Central Administration for Plant Quarantine.
To begin with, opening a new market typically requires technical negotiations and approval for specific products, such as grapes, mangoes, or lemons, under the importing country’s plant health requirements.
The newly announced destinations include Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Afghanistan in Asia, as well as Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Panama, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As a result, this market expansion gives Egyptian exporters access to additional destinations and could reduce dependence on a limited number of buyers.
The primary drivers of Egypt’s recent agricultural growth are citrus fruits and potatoes, which remain the largest export categories. Egypt exported a record 9.5 million tonnes of agricultural products in 2025, about 800,000 tonnes more than in 2024.
Additionally, the government’s commitment to meeting strict plant-health standards abroad and to strengthening the agricultural sector’s economic contribution has also supported growth.
Citrus remained the largest agricultural export category in 2026, with shipments exceeding 2.2 million tonnes, accounting for about 38% of agricultural exports. Fresh potatoes ranked second, with exports exceeding 908,000 tonnes.
Meanwhile, grape exports exceeded 147,000 tonnes, while fresh strawberry shipments surpassed 39,000 tonnes. Sweet potato exports reached approximately 218,000 tonnes, while fresh and dried bean shipments totalled about 125,000 tonnes.
Fresh onion exports exceeded 123,000 tonnes, garlic shipments reached approximately 34,000 tonnes, and fresh tomato exports stood at around 20,000 tonnes. Egypt also exported mangoes, guavas, and pomegranates.
Furthermore, the Egyptian government said that fresh and processed agricultural exports generated approximately US$11.5 billion in 2025. This figure includes fresh produce and processed foods, while the 9.5-million-ton figure covers agricultural produce.
The record-breaking volumes achieved in 2025, together with continued strong performance in 2026, demonstrate Egypt’s growing competitiveness in international agricultural markets.
Lastly, the government’s focus on market diversification and quality improvement supports the sector’s economic contribution and creates opportunities for farmers and exporters nationwide.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
