Ten markets lift Egypt’s food industry exports to $3.77 billion in H1 2026

Sector exports rise 11%

Egypt’s food industry exports reached about $3.77 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $3.41 billion in the same period of 2025, according to a statement from the country’s Food Export Council reported by Mubasher. The increase of approximately $360 million represented year-on-year growth of about 11%.

Ten major destinations generated approximately $1.65 billion of export revenue between January and June, up from $1.31 billion a year earlier. Their combined increase was about $340 million, meaning the group accounted for most of the sector’s overall export gain. The ten markets represented roughly 44% of Egypt’s total food industry exports during the period.

Spain leads growth rankings

Spain recorded the fastest expansion among the ten destinations. Egyptian food exports to the country rose 94% to $149 million from $77 million in the first half of 2025. That was an increase of $72 million, the largest absolute gain reported for any market in the group.

Palestine ranked second by growth rate, with shipments advancing 43% to $121 million from $85 million. Exports to the United Kingdom climbed 37% to $86 million from $63 million. Together, these results show that the expansion was not concentrated in one regional bloc, with strong gains registered in Arab and European destinations.

China also delivered substantial growth. Exports increased 29% to $130 million from $101 million. Algeria followed with a 27% rise to $131 million from $104 million, while Iraq purchased $135 million of Egyptian food industry products, 25% more than the previous year’s $107 million.

Saudi Arabia remains the largest listed destination

Jordan and the Netherlands each received $166 million of Egyptian food exports during the six-month period. Shipments to Jordan rose 24% from approximately $135 million, while exports to the Netherlands increased 19% from $140 million.

Saudi Arabia was the largest of the ten markets by export value, with purchases rising 18% to $308 million from $261 million. The United States ranked second by value at $255 million, although its 9% growth rate was the lowest in the group. US-bound exports had totaled $233 million in the first half of 2025.

Growth spans established and emerging markets

The figures indicate that Egypt’s export growth combined higher sales to large established buyers with faster percentage gains in smaller destinations. Saudi Arabia and the United States together generated $563 million, while Spain, Palestine and the United Kingdom provided some of the strongest year-on-year momentum.

The Food Export Council said the performance reflected Egyptian companies’ ability to strengthen their presence in traditional markets while expanding in newer and promising destinations. It said it would continue supporting exporters through market information and studies, trade missions and participation in international exhibitions, with the aim of opening additional sales channels and broadening the geographic reach of Egyptian food products.