Egypt’s Agricultural Exports Hit Historic High

Egypt’s agricultural exports have recorded a historic surge, reaching 8.8 million tonnes so far this year, marking an increase of nearly 750,000 tonnes compared with the same period in 2024, according to official data released on Sunday.

The figures were disclosed by Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture, who received a detailed report from Mohamed El-Mansi, head of the Central Administration for Agricultural Quarantine, outlining the latest performance indicators for the country’s agricultural exports.

The milestone highlights the growing competitiveness of Egyptian produce in international markets at a time when the country is seeking to bolster foreign currency inflows and strengthen its external trade position.

Citrus fruits once again topped Egypt’s export list, with shipments exceeding 2 million tonnes, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s leading citrus exporters. Fresh potatoes ranked second at 1.3 million tonnes, followed by sweet potatoes at around 328,000 tonnes.

Exports of beans, both fresh and dried, reached approximately 312,000 tonnes, while fresh onions accounted for about 282,000 tonnes, the report showed.

Several other crops also posted notable gains. Grape exports climbed to 191,000 tonnes, pomegranates reached 154,000 tonnes, and mangoes totaled 122,000 tonnes. Additional exports included tomatoes, fresh strawberries, fresh garlic and guava, reflecting the broad-based growth across Egypt’s horticultural sector.

Farouk described the surge as a “clear and unequivocal indicator” of the strength and resilience of Egypt’s national economy, stressing that the results demonstrate the country’s commitment to the highest international standards of quality and food safety.

“This achievement is an international testament to Egypt’s success in enhancing the competitiveness of its agricultural exports,” the minister said, adding that Egyptian products continue to enjoy strong confidence in global markets.

Agricultural exports are considered one of the cornerstones of Egypt’s economic strategy, providing a vital source of hard currency and supporting employment across the supply chain, from small-scale farmers to large exporters.

Officials attributed the strong performance not only to rising production volumes, but also to tighter quality controls and expanded market access. Farouk highlighted the pivotal role played by the Central Administration for Agricultural Quarantine and accredited reference laboratories in ensuring that exports meet international safety requirements.

He also pointed to the importance of agricultural attachés and foreign relations efforts in opening new and non-traditional markets for Egyptian produce, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The ministry, he said, continues to work closely with relevant authorities to remove logistical and procedural obstacles, improve export infrastructure and maintain the momentum of growth in the sector.

The export boom comes against a backdrop of ongoing global supply chain disruptions, climate pressures and volatile commodity markets. Analysts say Egypt’s diversified crop mix and expanding network of export destinations have helped shield the sector from some of these shocks.

With food security and export revenues high on the government’s agenda, officials see agricultural exports as a strategic lever for sustaining economic growth in the coming years.