Egypt's food exports have achieved a new record, reaching around $5.13 billion during the first eight months of 2026. This represents a 10.8 percent increase from the same period in 2025, when exports totaled $4.63 billion. The growth is attributed to Egyptian companies expanding into foreign markets, diversifying their production base, and increasing high-value-added products.
The Food Export Council (FEC) announced the record-breaking exports on Sunday, highlighting the sector's continued success due to the broadening of the export market base, the number of companies, and the variety of products exported. The government's efforts to support non-oil exports, provide liquidity, enhance market access abroad, and improve the competitiveness of Egyptian products in international markets have also contributed to the growth.
In August 2026, the finance ministry allocated EGP 6 billion as part of its outstanding payments owed to exporters under the country's export support and rebate programme. This aims to settle outstanding payments owed to exporters through direct cash payments from the Export Development Fund, bolstering the economy's competitiveness and maintaining financial stability.
During the first quarter of 2026, food exports rose 7.8 percent year-on-year to almost $1.76 billion, up by $128 million from $1.64 billion in the same quarter of 2025. The second quarter of 2026 saw a 15.6 percent increase, with exports rising by $276 million to $2.05 billion, compared to $1.77 billion during the same period the year before.
The second quarter of 2026 alone accounted for 55 percent of the total increase in food exports during the eight months, compared to the 26 percent contributed by the first quarter of the year. The month of August contributed 6.7 percent worth of growth, or around $628 million, while July recorded 8.9 percent growth and $681 million.
Arab countries remained the main destination for Egyptian food exports during the January-August period, with exports rising by 8.9 percent year-on-year to record $2.42 billion. The European Union (EU) came in second, recording the highest growth among international partners and accounting for around 22 percent of the industry's total exports, with a 16 percent surge to around $1.12 billion.
Frozen strawberries topped the list of key Egyptian food industry exports during the period, valued at around $617 million, growing by 8 percent year-on-year. Chocolate recorded the highest growth in value, with its exports nearly doubling to reach almost $301 million, a 98 percent increase, or $149 million. Around 110 markets recorded higher imports of Egyptian food products, with the number of active exporting companies reaching 2,731 during the eight months.
Key points
- Egypt's food exports reached a record $5.13 billion in the first eight months of 2026.
- The European Union recorded the highest growth among international partners, with a 16 percent surge to around $1.12 billion.
- Frozen strawberries and chocolate were among the top exported commodities, with growth rates of 8 percent and 98 percent, respectively.
