Egyptian citrus exporters pursue Chinese contracts after tariffs fall to zero
Egyptian agricultural exporters are negotiating new contracts in China after Beijing removed tariffs on imports from 53 African countries. Citrus shipments to China could reach 60,000–70,000 tonnes next season, compared with 41,600 tonnes exported by June 28.
Exporters move to capture tariff advantage
Egyptian agricultural exporters have begun signing new contracts with Chinese importers ahead of the next export season, seeking to convert Beijing’s zero-tariff treatment into higher sales. China granted full customs exemptions to imports from 53 African countries, including Egypt, giving suppliers a new price advantage as the citrus season approaches.
China began applying the exemption to Egyptian imports in May, but companies are now translating the policy change into commercial negotiations for the coming season. Egyptian citrus previously faced a 15% Chinese import tariff, according to Mohamed Khalil, head of the Citrus Committee at Egypt’s Agricultural Export Council.
Khalil told Al Borsa that removing the duty gives Egyptian exporters more room to compete on price. That benefit is particularly relevant because freight costs remain high and transit times have lengthened amid geopolitical tensions. Lower border charges can therefore help suppliers present more competitive offers without requiring an equivalent reduction in their export prices.
Citrus shipments expected to rise
China currently accounts for 4–5% of Egypt’s total citrus exports, and citrus is the principal Egyptian agricultural product shipped to the Chinese market. Khalil expects exports to China to reach 60,000–70,000 tonnes in the new season, compared with 41,600 tonnes exported by June 28.
The 41,600-tonne volume was already up from 29,700 tonnes in the previous season, an increase of approximately 12,000 tonnes. Over the medium term, the sector aims to raise Egyptian citrus exports to China to 200,000 tonnes, equivalent to roughly 10% of total citrus exports. Reaching that level would require more Egyptian suppliers to enter the market and a broader base of Chinese importers.
Individual exporters are also setting higher targets. Haitham El-Saadany, chairman of agricultural exporter Sadat Agro Fruit, told Al Borsa that his company plans to double its exports to China during the new season. China currently represents 15% of the company’s total exports, and that share is expected to rise to 30%.
Sadat Agro Fruit plans to begin exporting lemons to China in November, followed by oranges in December. The company is also continuing its expansion in other Asian markets, including Hong Kong and Vietnam, indicating that China is part of a wider effort to diversify sales across the region.
First shipment demonstrates cost savings
Xu Min, China’s consul general in Alexandria, said Shanghai customs received a first shipment of 516 tonnes of fresh Egyptian oranges under the exemption. The tariff relief saved about 320,000 yuan, equivalent to a reduction of nearly 5 Egyptian pounds per kilogram in customs charges. The shipment provides an early measure of how zero tariffs can partly offset the cost of long-distance transport.
The push into China coincides with rapid growth in Egypt’s broader exports to the country. Egyptian exports to China rose 199.8% in the first half of 2026 to $840.8 million, from $280.5 million in the same period of 2025, according to figures reported by Al Borsa. Xu said the policy could also support new Chinese investment in Egyptian agricultural processing, textiles, building materials and chemicals. For citrus producers and traders, however, the immediate test will be whether the tariff saving produces repeat orders and moves China beyond its currently limited share of Egypt’s export portfolio.
