Egypt’s agricultural exports have surged to a record 6.24 million tons as of mid-July 2025, marking an increase of 575,000 tons compared to the same period last year, according to an official statement from Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.
This sharp growth underscores Egypt’s growing stature as a major player in the global agri-export market.
Citrus leads export growth
Data from the Egyptian Plant Quarantine Authority highlights citrus fruits as the top export category, exceeding 1.9 million tons. Potatoes followed with 1.3 million tons, while fresh onions accounted for 231,894 tons. Other notable contributors include grapes (159,477 tons), sweet potatoes (123,857 tons), along with mangoes, garlic, green beans, and guavas, reflecting Egypt’s diversified agricultural export portfolio.
Expansion into new global markets
Egypt expanded its reach into eight new international markets this year, including South Africa, Costa Rica, Uzbekistan, India, and the Philippines. These new trading partnerships have opened opportunities for crops such as grapes, pomegranates, mangoes, and potato seed tubers, further boosting Egypt’s agricultural trade footprint.
Minister Farouk praised the collaborative efforts behind this success: “The remarkable progress in Egypt’s agricultural export system is the result of extensive collaboration among farmers, producers, and exporters committed to high-quality crops and good agricultural practices.”
Egypt’s export growth is supported by its adoption of modern global agricultural standards, ensuring consistent quality and streamlined market access. The Plant Quarantine Authority’s crop coding system enhances traceability and compliance with international regulations, added the statement/
New EU regulation facilitates potato exports
In a significant policy development, Egypt implemented European Regulation No. 1289/2025, simplifying the export process for Egyptian table potatoes to EU countries.
Mohamed El-Mensy, Head of the Central Administration of Plant Quarantine, described the regulation as: “A major milestone facilitating the flow of Egyptian agricultural products to global markets.”
Key improvements include increased shipment weight limits and fewer required inspection samples, the outcomes of intensive negotiations between Egypt and the EU.
Potato exports surpassed 1.3 million tons for the first time, highlighting growing international demand and Egypt’s expanding export capacity. The Plant Quarantine Authority continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding market access through compliance with phytosanitary standards worldwide.
Broader export growth
Beyond agriculture, Egypt’s total merchandise exports climbed to $40.8 billion in 2024, up 14% from $35.8 billion in 2023, according to Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib. This growth aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 goal to increase annual exports to $145 billion by the end of the decade.
El-Khatib emphasized ongoing reforms in fiscal, trade, and regulatory policies designed to boost product competitiveness, attract investment, and streamline foreign trade operations.
