Egypt’s agricultural exports have seen a remarkable 32% increase in the first ten months of 2024, a significant leap that highlights the country’s expanding agricultural capacity. According to a report from Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the exports reached a total of $4.1 billion, up by $1 billion from the same period last year. This growth marks a major milestone in Egypt’s push to enhance its agricultural sector and expand its global market reach.
Boost in Agricultural Exports
From January to October 2024, Egypt shipped over 7.1 million tons of agricultural produce to global markets. The increase in both the volume and value of exports underscores the country’s robust agricultural performance, driven by both domestic efforts and enhanced international trade agreements. This surge represents a 32% rise from the previous year, signaling a positive outlook for the future of Egypt’s agricultural industry.
Citrus fruits, particularly oranges, remain Egypt’s top export, accounting for a substantial 2.2 million tons. Potatoes came in second, with 0.9 million tons exported during the same period. These two crops alone contributed greatly to the country’s export figures, establishing Egypt as a key player in the global food trade, especially in the Middle East and Europe.
New Agricultural Projects Drive Expansion
The country’s agricultural growth has been supported by the ongoing development of new farming areas, particularly through national agricultural initiatives aimed at expanding Egypt’s arable land. One of the most ambitious projects in recent years is the New Delta project, which aims to add over 4 million acres of new farmland. Already, 2.2 million acres have been operationalized, providing fertile ground for the cultivation of crops to meet both domestic and international demand.
These expansions not only support Egypt’s agricultural output but also increase its export potential. The government’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector and increasing yields has played a central role in boosting Egypt’s exports, making it one of the fastest-growing agricultural exporters in the region.
Egypt’s New Trade Routes Strengthen Export Logistics
In addition to expanding the agricultural land base, Egypt has also invested in improving its export logistics. The country recently launched a new shipping route connecting the port of Dekheila in Alexandria with key Russian ports, including Novorossiysk and St. Petersburg. This new route will allow Egypt to transport its agricultural products more efficiently to the Russian market, one of the country’s significant export destinations.
The new service, operated by Fox Shipping’s Global Logistics, will run two trips per week, ensuring the timely delivery of fresh produce to Russian consumers. A specialized team will manage refrigerated containers, providing the necessary technical support to keep the products fresh throughout the journey.
This development is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to improve its agricultural export infrastructure, ensuring that products like citrus fruits, potatoes, and other key crops arrive quickly and in optimal condition. By enhancing its logistical capabilities, Egypt is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of fresh produce to global markets, especially in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Expanding the Reach: Future Goals and Projections
Looking ahead, Egypt is targeting even greater agricultural export figures. The country aims to reach 10 million tons of fresh produce exports, supplemented by additional food industries, by the end of 2025. With the ongoing expansion of agricultural projects and improved infrastructure, Egypt is setting ambitious goals to cement its position as a global leader in agricultural exports.
These targets are ambitious but achievable, given the recent growth in the sector and the country’s plans to continue expanding its agricultural base. As Egypt focuses on producing high-quality agricultural products and enhancing its export logistics, it is well-placed to meet its goals and further strengthen its standing in global trade.
