Egypt’s food industry exports recorded their highest-ever first-half value in 2026, reaching $3.771 billion, compared with $3.414 billion in the same period of 2025.
This represents a growth rate of 10.5% and an increase of $357 million, reflecting the continued competitiveness of Egyptian food products in global markets.
The results show that export growth was driven by a broader base of markets and products, rather than reliance on a limited number of destinations or commodities. A total of 108 markets recorded growth in their imports of Egyptian food products.
On a quarterly basis, exports in the first quarter of 2026 reached $1.764 billion, up 7.5% year-on-year. Second-quarter exports rose to $2.007 billion, up 13.2%, accounting for around 53% of first-half exports and nearly 66% of the total increase achieved during the period.
Arab countries remained the largest destination group for Egyptian food exports, with exports reaching $1.737 billion, up 9.4%, representing around 46% of total sector exports.
The European Union ranked second with $852 million, up 15.4%, the highest growth rate among major destination groups. The EU accounted for around 23% of Egypt’s food industry exports.
Exports to the United States reached $255 million, up 9.5%, while exports to non-Arab African countries remained almost flat at $252 million, growing by only 0.4%. Exports to the rest of the world increased by 11.8% to $676 million.
Saudi Arabia remained the top importing market, with Egyptian food exports reaching $308 million, up 18%. The United States ranked second with $255 million, followed by Jordan and the Netherlands, each at $166 million.
Spain recorded the strongest performance among major markets, with exports rising 94% to $149 million, an increase of $72 million. China also grew by 29% to $130 million, while Palestine increased by 43% to $121 million, and the United Kingdom rose by 37% to $86 million.
In terms of products, frozen strawberries remained Egypt’s top food export, reaching $489 million, up 8%. Beverage concentrates ranked second at $306 million, followed by edible oils at $230 million.
Chocolate recorded the largest increase among major products, jumping 125% to $229 million, with an increase of $127 million. Other strong performers included prepared animal feed, cereal and biscuit preparations, juices, processed olives, diverse food preparations, fats and greases, salt, and chewing gum.
The top 30 exported food products accounted for around 89% of Egypt’s total food industry exports in the first half of 2026, with a combined value of $3.363 billion.
Spain was the largest contributor to export growth, adding $72 million, driven by edible oils, processed olives, and prepared animal feed. Saudi Arabia followed with an increase of $47 million, mainly supported by chocolate exports.
The five main products driving export growth were chocolate, edible oils, frozen strawberries, fats and greases, and salt. Together, these products explained around 55% of total commodity export growth during the period.
Mahmoud Bazan, Chairman of the Food Export Council, said the sector’s performance in the first half of 2026 reflects the growing competitiveness of Egyptian products in global markets and the success of efforts to diversify export markets and products.
He added that the council will continue implementing programs to improve exporters’ competitiveness, expand the exporter base, and support access to priority markets, with a focus on African and promising markets through market studies, trade promotion missions, and capacity-building programs.
