2025/01/26

Food exports soar, Saudi Arabia tops import list

The Egyptian Food Safety Authority announced on Sunday that beans topped the list of most exported vegetables last week, while citrus fruits led the fruit export category. According to the authority's statistics for the period from January 18 to 24, the number of exported food shipments, as reported by the General Administration for Exports and Imports, reached 6,200 shipments, amounting to approximately 230,000 tons. This represents a significant 33,000-ton increase compared to the previous week. This surge in exports can be attributed to 1,685 exporting companies involved in the trade of a diverse range of 760 products, including vegetables, fruits, flour, and various other food items.

Beans of various types topped the list of exported vegetables last week with a quantity of 12,000 tons, sweet potatoes followed at 10,000 tons, with 67 varieties exported, totaling 63,000 tons. Citrus fruits continued to dominate the fruit export list last week with a total of 72,000 tons, followed by strawberries at 10,000 tons, and dates at 3,000 tons. The total number of exported fruit varieties reached 40, with a combined weight of approximately 90,000 tons.

Saudi Arabia, Russia, the Netherlands, and Turkey were the top destinations for Egyptian exports last week, out of a total of 186 importing countries. The Port of Safaga led in food exports with 1,131 shipments, followed by Cairo International Airport (1,100) and the Port of Alexandria (825).

The Egyptian Food Safety Authority (EFSA), assuming its new role in issuing export certificates since 2025, has issued 505 health certificates under the new mechanism. Food imports reached 2,105 shipments (approximately 405,000 tons) from 88 countries. 900 importing companies handled 235 products, including wheat, raw sugar, and various oils. Brazil was the top exporter, followed by Russia, Ukraine, and China.

The Port of Alexandria received the most food imports with 787 shipments, followed by Cairo International Airport (350) and the Port of Damietta (278).

The General Administration for Food Registration and Licensing registered 45 products and 12 companies. They conducted 5 inspection visits, examined 405 new products, and issued 13 free sale certificates.