Egypt’s Grape Exports Surge 40% as Country Strengthens Position in Global Market

Egypt’s grape exports jumped 40% year-on-year in the 2024/25 marketing period, marking one of the strongest performances in a decade, according to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The surge builds on Egypt’s growing reputation as a competitive supplier of table grapes, particularly to markets in Europe and the Middle East. USDA projections indicate that exports could reach 242,500 tons in the upcoming 2025/26 season, up from 236,900 tons last season and 192,900 tons the year before.

Egypt’s export season runs from May to August, a period when output from major producers such as Italy and Spain is still limited. That timing gives Egyptian growers a strategic advantage in meeting early-season demand in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other major import markets.

However, competition remains intense. Uzbekistan continues to dominate several of Egypt’s key target markets, including the U.K., Russia and parts of the EU, due to its favorable geography and competitive pricing. Egypt and South Africa follow Uzbekistan in overall market share, with export volumes fluctuating according to harvest timing.

Egypt ships grapes to a diverse range of destinations, including Britain, Russia, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Germany and Slovenia.

USDA forecasts show that Egypt’s total grape production will reach 1.84 million tons in the 2025/26 marketing year, slightly higher than the previous season. The increase is driven by expanding planted areas, higher harvested acreage and the introduction of new high-quality grape varieties.

Producers are actively testing and developing new varieties adapted to Egypt’s climate and soil conditions, with the goal of boosting yields and extending the productive life of vineyards.

Growers are also prioritizing compliance with EU and U.K. import standards, which remain essential for maintaining Egypt’s competitiveness. The focus on premium, early-season varieties has helped local farmers maximize export value at a time when grape cultivation has become one of the country’s most profitable horticultural sectors.

Grapes are now Egypt’s second most widely cultivated fruit crop after citrus, grown across the country from north to south.

With export demand rising and production continuing to expand, Egypt appears set to further strengthen its role in the global table-grape industry in the coming years.