Egypt’s food industry exports continued to grow during the first four months of 2026, reaching $2.432 billion, compared to $2.272 billion in the same period of 2025, an increase of $161 million and a growth rate of 7.1%.
The performance reflects the sector’s ability to maintain positive export momentum despite global trade challenges and supply chain pressures, supported by stronger demand in several key and fast-growing markets.
On a monthly basis, exports recorded growth across all four months, January exports reached $536 million, up 0.9% year-on-year, February exports increased to $586 million, growing 10.2%, March exports reached $616 million, up 6.6%, while April recorded the highest monthly export value during the period at $694 million, growing 10.1%.
Arab countries remained the largest destination group for Egyptian food exports, with a value of $1.126 billion, representing around 46% of total exports.
The European Union ranked second with $551 million, accounting for 23% of the total and recording the highest growth among major destination groups, with an increase of $72 million and a growth rate of 15%.
Exports to the United States also grew by 11% to reach $160 million, while exports to non-Arab African countries declined by 6% to $155 million. Exports to the rest of the world increased by 11% to $441 million.
Saudi Arabia remained the top importing market for Egyptian food products, with exports reaching $213 million, up 21%. The United States ranked second with $160 million, followed by Jordan at $110 million.
Spain recorded one of the strongest performances, with exports reaching $103 million, up 103%, driven by higher exports of edible oils, olive oil, and processed olives.
China also strengthened its position as a promising market, with exports reaching $82 million, up 42%, mainly supported by frozen strawberry exports.
Palestine grew by 47% to $81 million, while the United Kingdom recorded 61% growth, with exports reaching $61 million.
In terms of products, frozen strawberries led Egypt’s food exports with $321 million, up 11%. Beverage concentrates ranked second with $202 million, followed by chocolate, which reached $159 million, achieving exceptional growth of 128% and contributing the largest increase among exported food products.
Other strong performers included processed olives, diverse food preparations, fats and greases, salt, olive oil, chewing gum, and dry confectionery.
Meanwhile, exports of sugar, flour and milling products, frozen vegetables, vegetable preparations, yeasts, and pasta declined during the period.
The results show that Egypt’s food export growth is increasingly driven by higher-value processed products and stronger demand in more competitive international markets, including the EU, China, the UK, Spain, and the United States.
Mahmoud Bazan, Chairman of the Food Export Council – Egypt, said the results confirm the sector’s ability to support Egypt’s non-oil export growth targets. He added that the council will continue implementing promotional programs, trade missions, participation in international exhibitions, and market-opening efforts to increase access to priority markets and enhance the global competitiveness of Egyptian companies.
