Press Release by Mr. Mahmoud Bazan, Chairman of the Food Export Council
Egyptian Processed Food Exports from January to October 2024
Egypt’s processed food exports in the first ten months of 2024 surpass the total exports of 2023 by over $30 million.
Egyptian processed food exports from January to October 2024 reached $5.1 billion, achieving a growth rate of 18% and an increase of $770 million compared to $4.3 billion during the same period in 2023. This represents the highest export value and growth rate ever recorded during this period in the sector’s history. Furthermore, the exports for the first ten months of 2024 exceeded the total exports of 2023, which amounted to $5.068 billion, by more than $30 million.
Exports to Arab countries ranked first among international markets for Egyptian processed food during the January–October 2024 period, with a value of $2.675 billion, representing 53% of total food exports and a 14% increase in value. The European Union followed with $1.023 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 38% and accounting for 20% of total exports. Non-Arab African countries recorded exports worth $425 million, representing 8% of total exports, with a growth rate of 11%. The United States ranked next with exports worth $277 million, making up 5% of total exports and achieving a growth rate of 38%. Other international markets accounted for $698 million, or 14% of total food exports, showing an 8% growth rate.
Top Importing Countries from January to October 2024
Saudi Arabia topped the list of the largest importers of Egyptian processed foods during the first ten months of 2024, with exports worth $393 million, reflecting a 16% growth. Sudan came second with $341 million, despite a 21% decline. The United States ranked third with $277 million and a 38% growth rate. Libya followed with $264 million, reflecting a growth rate of 21%. Palestine imported $261 million, with a growth rate of 24%. The Netherlands ranked sixth with $228 million, achieving a remarkable growth rate of 106%. Jordan followed with $198 million, reflecting a growth rate of 25%. Morocco imported $171 million, achieving a 77% growth rate. Spain followed with $164 million and a growth rate of 66%. Yemen came tenth with $159 million, reflecting a modest 1% growth compared to the same period in 2023.
The Netherlands achieved the highest export growth among all countries during the first ten months of 2024, with exports worth $228 million, showing a $117 million increase compared to the same period in 2023. The United States followed with exports worth $277 million and a $77 million growth. Morocco ranked third with exports worth $171 million and a $74 million growth. Spain followed with exports of $164 million, reflecting a $65 million growth. Saudi Arabia achieved exports worth $393 million, with a $55 million growth. Palestine recorded exports of $261 million, with a $51 million growth. Brazil saw exports worth $90 million, reflecting a $47 million growth. Libya achieved exports worth $264 million, with a $46 million increase. Somalia followed with exports worth $75 million, showing a $42 million growth. Jordan ranked tenth with exports of $198 million and a $39 million increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Top Exported Food Products from January to October 2024
The top exported product during the first ten months of 2024 was concentrates for soft drink manufacturing, with exports worth $463 million, reflecting an 8% growth compared to the same period in 2023. Flour followed with $401 million, achieving a 5% growth. Frozen strawberries ranked third with exports worth $353 million and a growth rate of 15%. Sugar exports reached $339 million but declined by 19%. Juices recorded exports of $245 million, showing a growth rate of 79%. Edible oils followed with $245 million, achieving an impressive growth rate of 155%. Frozen vegetables recorded $214 million in exports, reflecting a growth rate of 27%. Biscuits and cereal-based preparations achieved $209 million, with a growth rate of 21%. Table olives followed with exports of $199 million and a growth rate of 74%. Frozen potatoes recorded $187 million in exports, achieving an exceptional growth rate of 898%.
From 2014 to October 2024, Egypt’s processed food exports amounted to $40.1 billion.