Egyptian citrus boosts Sokhna Port to record growth in early 2025

EGYPT – DP World Sokhna, one of Egypt’s key logistics hubs, reported its highest-ever throughput in the first quarter of 2025, processing 285,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

This marks a significant milestone for the port, reaching a 26% increase over the planned volume for the period. The achievement is a clear indication of the port’s growing role in regional trade and its contribution to Egypt’s economic development.

The rise in throughput is attributed to the surge in refrigerated container exports, particularly citrus, as Egypt solidifies its position as a leading exporter of the fruit globally.

DP World Sokhna has invested heavily in modernizing the port’s infrastructure since taking over operations in 2008.

The company has allocated more than US$1.3 billion to improve the port’s facilities, enabling it to handle some of the world’s largest cargo vessels while boosting global connectivity.

“This level of growth clearly demonstrates Ain Sokhna Port’s rising importance as a logistics hub, not only for Egypt, but for the wider region,” said Avnash Iyer, Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO of DP World Egypt.

“Our continued investments in Egypt’s logistics sector – through our network of freight forwarding offices and soon-to-be completed Sokhna Logistics Park – will not only help us better serve our customers but meet the needs of Egypt’s growing and dynamic market.”

The port’s ability to handle a variety of cargo, especially perishables, plays a pivotal role in facilitating Egypt’s agricultural trade.

With state-of-the-art cold storage facilities and streamlined logistics, Sokhna Port is well-equipped to support the efficient movement of temperature-sensitive goods. This includes citrus fruits, which have seen increased demand in markets such as the European Union, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

The outlook for Egypt’s citrus exports

For the 2024/2025 season, Egypt is expected to produce 3.7 million tons of citrus, marking a 100,000-ton increase from the previous year.

With favorable weather conditions and improved farming techniques, Egyptian citrus is in high demand for its quality and taste.

The export volume for citrus is projected to exceed 1.8 million metric tons, further boosting Sokhna Port’s throughput.

However, challenges remain, as the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service forecasts a slight decline in fresh orange exports for the 2024/25 season, down from 2.3 million metric tons to an estimated 1.95 million metric tons.

This decline is attributed to rising production costs and unfavorable climate conditions, particularly affecting small-scale farmers in the Nile Delta. Despite these challenges, Egypt continues to invest in modern irrigation techniques and post-harvest loss reduction to maintain growth.

In the coming months, DP World Sokhna’s key role in supporting Egypt’s agricultural sector will only become more critical, with the port continuing to be an essential link in the global supply chain for perishable goods.

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