Egypt’s food exports to China reach $150.4 million as zero tariffs boost frozen strawberries
Egyptian food exports to China reached $150.4 million in January–August 2026, exceeding the full-year record set in 2025. Frozen strawberries are driving growth, but exporters face falling prices, concentrated sales and strict registration and quality requirements.
Eight-month exports exceed the 2025 record
Egyptian food-industry exports to China reached $150.4 million in January–August 2026, surpassing the $137.3 million recorded for all of 2025, according to Egypt’s Food Export Council. Sales were $124.4 million in the same eight months of 2025, meaning they increased by approximately $26 million, or 21%.
China rose to become the 12th-largest market for Egyptian food exports during the eight-month period, compared with 19th place in 2025. Its position has fluctuated sharply: China ranked 32nd in 2020, 14th in 2021 and 2022, 16th in 2023 and 31st in 2024. Export value followed a similarly uneven path, rising from $30.8 million in 2020 to $109.3 million in 2021 and $112.8 million in 2022, before easing to $106.9 million in 2023 and $54.7 million in 2024.
Frozen strawberries dominate the trade
Frozen strawberries were the largest Egyptian food export to China in 2025, generating $83.85 million and accounting for 61.1% of the total. Prepared animal feed ranked second at approximately $46 million, or 33.5%. Together, the two categories represented 94.6% of sector exports, leaving suppliers exposed to changes in demand or pricing in a narrow group of products.
Other 2025 shipments included essential oils and resinoids worth approximately $4.53 million, other products of animal origin worth $1.08 million, juice worth $560,000 and cereal preparations and biscuits worth $520,000. The council said frozen strawberries were the main driver of growth in 2026, while salt also expanded. Prepared animal feed and essential oils and resinoids declined, strengthening the case for a broader export basket.
Tariff gains meet price and compliance risks
New preferential treatment introduced in May 2026 removed Chinese customs duties on Egyptian goods and improved their price competitiveness. Al Amal Al Mal reported that the change brought more Chinese buyers to Egypt, with some considering strawberry cultivation, production and freezing in the country. Mahmoud Safwat, export general manager at the Egyptian Saudi Company for Food Industries, said its business had supplied China for about seven years and that consistent quality was particularly important for strawberries used in freeze-drying.
The commercial benefit has not prevented prices from weakening. The Food Export Council said Egyptian frozen strawberries sold into China at about $1,800–$1,900 per tonne during the previous year. Prices began 2026 at lower levels and fell to approximately $1,250 per tonne in June, July and August. The council and Safwat warned exporters against competing through excessive discounts, particularly because fruit that fails to meet freeze-drying specifications may be redirected into lower-value juice or concentrate production.
Zero tariffs also do not provide automatic market access. Producers must register their facilities with Chinese customs and comply with documentation, labelling, certification and product-specific entry requirements. The council said some cargoes had reached China before exporters discovered that their factories lacked registration numbers, causing delays and additional costs. Payment terms, pesticide residues, seasonal colour and stable industrial specifications also require close control. For Egyptian suppliers, preserving the current growth will depend on converting the tariff advantage into reliable quality, defensible pricing and a more diversified product range.
