Egypt’s food exports break records with $5.5 billion

Egypt's food industry has achieved unprecedented growth in 2024, with exports totaling $5.5 billion between January and November. This represents a 17% increase compared to the $4.7 billion recorded during the same period in 2023, marking an additional $813 million in revenue.

This growth not only sets a new record for export value and growth rate within this timeframe but also surpasses the total exports for all of 2023, which amounted to $5.068 billion. The 2024 figure reflects a year-on-year increase of $474 million, underlining the sector's significant momentum.

Key Export Markets

According to the Export Council for Food Industries, Arab countries remained the leading destination for Egyptian food exports, accounting for:

• $2.936 billion (53% of total exports), with a growth rate of 15%.

The European Union followed as the second-largest market with:

• $1.083 billion (20% of total exports), achieving a remarkable 33% growth rate.

Other notable markets included:

• Non-Arab African countries: $464 million (8% of total exports), growing by 7%.
• United States: $302 million (5% of total exports), recording an impressive 40% growth rate.
• Other international markets: $756 million (14% of total exports), with a growth rate of 8%.

Over the ten-year period from 2014 to November 2024, Egypt's food industry exports have accumulated to an impressive $40.5 billion, underscoring the sector's pivotal role in the country's economic growth and its expanding footprint in global markets.

The food industry's performance highlights its increasing significance as a cornerstone of Egypt's economy. 

Strategic investments, enhanced production capacity, and diversification of export destinations have all contributed to the sector's success.

As Egypt continues to strengthen its position in the global food market, the record-breaking export figures for 2024 illustrate its capacity to meet international demand and maintain sustained economic growth.