Egypt's food exports rose 9.4 per cent year-on-year in the first nine months of 2025 to a record $5.14 billion, driven by higher shipments of frozen strawberries, edible oils, and confectionery, the Food Export Council (FEC) said Thursday. Exports increased by $441 million from $4.7 billion a year earlier, underscoring the food industry's growing role as one of the key contributors to Egypt's non-oil exports. The sector accounted for around 14 per cent of total non-oil exports, ranking third among Egypt's main export industries. Arab countries remained the largest buyers, importing $2.49 billion worth of Egyptian food products, representing 48 per cent of the total. The European Union came second with $1.05 billion (20 per cent), followed by non-Arab African markets with $386 million (8 per cent). Exports to the United States surged 38 per cent to $340 million, while shipments to other global markets jumped 33 per cent to $874 million. Saudi Arabia was the top single destination with $408 million in imports, followed by the United States, Sudan, and Libya. Jordan, Iraq, the Netherlands, and the UAE were also among the leading markets. Exports to China more than doubled to $124 million (140 per cent up), while sales to Lebanon soared 80 per cent to $156 million. By product, frozen strawberries led the export list, soaring 78 per cent to $608 million. They were followed by cola concentrates at $435 million, edible oils at $323 million (up 40 per cent), and confectionery and biscuits at $264 million (up 40 per cent). Council Chairman Mahmoud Bazan said the record performance reflected the combined efforts of public and private sectors and the government's export promotion policies. "The food industries have become one of Egypt's leading success stories, driven by product quality and strong global demand for trusted Egyptian food products," Bazan said. The Council said it expects continued growth as Egyptian exporters expand into new international markets and strengthen their competitiveness in existing ones. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
