Egypt's food industry has achieved a significant milestone, with exports reaching $5.128 billion during the first eight months of 2026, marking a 10.8% growth from $4.629 billion in the same period of 2025. This performance reflects the sector's continued competitiveness and the success of Egyptian companies in expanding their presence in external markets. The growth is attributed to a diversified production base and high value-added products, as well as efforts by the Export Council for Food Industries to support exports and enhance access to foreign markets.
The growth in exports was driven by an increase in the number of markets and products, with 110 markets experiencing growth in imports of Egyptian food products. A total of 2,731 companies were actively exporting to 179 markets worldwide. Breaking down the performance by quarter, the first quarter of 2026 saw exports of $1.769 billion, up 7.8% from $1.641 billion in the same quarter of 2025. The second quarter witnessed a more significant growth, with exports reaching $2.050 billion, up 15.6% from $1.773 billion in the same period of 2025.
July and August 2026 also saw notable growth, with exports reaching $681 million and $628 million, respectively. This represents a growth of 8.9% and 6.7% compared to the same months in 2025. The cumulative growth in exports has now extended to eight consecutive months. The second quarter contributed 55% to the total increase in exports during the period, while the first quarter and July-August together accounted for 26% and 19%, respectively.
Geographically, Arab countries continued to be the largest importers of Egyptian food products, with exports reaching $2.419 billion, up 8.9% from $2.222 billion in the same period of 2025. The European Union was the second-largest importer, with exports growing 16.0% to $1.124 billion. The United States also saw a significant increase, with exports reaching $334 million, up 8.9% from $306 million in the same period of 2025.
African countries, excluding Arab states, imported $356 million worth of Egyptian food products, up 3.3% from $345 million in the same period of 2025. Other countries worldwide also saw an increase, with imports growing 13.7% to $895 million. The diversified geographical distribution of Egyptian food exports highlights the sector's resilience and ability to adapt to global economic changes.
In terms of major importing markets, Saudi Arabia remained the largest importer, with Egyptian food exports reaching $423 million, up 18% from the same period of 2025. The United States and Jordan followed, with imports of $334 million and $228 million, respectively. Spain recorded the highest growth among major importing markets, with Egyptian food exports increasing to $208 million, up 107% from the same period of 2025.
The top twenty importing markets accounted for 69% of Egypt's total food exports during the period, with a value of $3.531 billion. Frozen strawberries remained the leading export product, with a value of $617 million, up 8% from the same period of 2025. Other top export products included beverage concentrates, edible oils, and chocolate, which recorded significant growth during the period.
Key points
- Egypt's food industry exports reached $5.128 billion in 8 months, growing 10.8% year-on-year.
- The growth in exports was driven by an increase in the number of markets and products.
- Arab countries and the European Union were the largest importers of Egyptian food products.
