Egypt Food Exports Reached USD 1.68 Billion in Q1 2026

Egypt’s food industries recorded exports of USD 1.681 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Food Export Council, marking a 2.5% increase from USD 1.641 billion in the same period of 2025. Monthly performance showed exports of USD 531 million in January, USD 601 million in February, and USD 550 million in March.

February recorded the strongest growth at 12.8% year-on-year, while March declined by 4.9%. Arab countries remained the largest export destination, accounting for USD 790 million, or 47% of total exports, despite a 5% decline. Exports to the European Union reached USD 359 million, representing 21% of the total and increasing by 11.3%. The United States accounted for USD 125 million, or 8%, with growth of 32.4%.

Non-Arab African markets recorded USD 104 million, down 11.8%, while exports to the rest of the world rose 11% to USD 303 million. Among key individual markets, Saudi Arabia and Brazil each recorded USD 150 million in imports, while the United States and Morocco each reached USD 125 million.

Other markets showed mixed performance, including growth in Kazakhstan, Yemen, and the United Kingdom, alongside declines in Libya, Lebanon, and Sudan. The top 20 markets accounted for USD 1.197 billion, or 71% of total exports.

By product category, frozen strawberries led exports at USD 202 million, followed by soft drink concentrates at USD 142 million and chocolate at USD 116 million, which recorded the highest growth at 109%. Other increases were seen in frozen potatoes, processed olives, and fats and greases.

Declines were recorded in several categories, including flour and milling products, sugar, frozen vegetables, and pasta. Despite this, the top 10 product groups accounted for 90% of total exports, reaching USD 1.507 billion.