Alliaceous vegetables market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The market for alliaceous vegetables in Egypt exhibited a general expansion from 2018 to 2021, with domestic production climbing from 3 416 thousand tons to 4 021 thousand tons. This growth was underpinned by rising self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable output, increased urbanization and disposable income, and a consumer shift toward healthier diets that include fresh vegetables. Despite a temporary contraction in market volume to 2 983 thousand tons in 2019, the overall trend remained upward, reaching 3 751 thousand tons by 2021.

In the following years, market volume stabilized around 3 742 thousand tons in 2022. New production approaches emerged, such as the launch of an in-store hydroponic farm by Shadouf, which aimed to grow fresh vegetables on-site to address climate challenges. A significant regulatory change occurred in 2023 when the Egyptian government imposed a ban on onion exports from October to December 2023, later extended to March 2024. This restriction reduced export shipments, helping to sustain domestic market volume at 3 684 thousand tons even as production dipped, ensuring greater availability for local consumers.

By 2024, the sector saw a substantial increase in onion cultivation area, which expanded by 40 thousand feddans, driving an unprecedented rise in production. Egypt consolidated its role as a leading global exporter of frozen vegetables, holding fourth place worldwide with a 7% market share. Climate factors continued to influence onion prices, which hit EGP 20 per kilogram in October 2024, while overall vegetable production grew by 11.5% in the 2023/2024 season compared to the previous year.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Egypt ranked as the 4th largest producer of alliaceous vegetables from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Egypt's production of alliaceous vegetables grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 576 thousand tons, marking a modest increase of 3.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 9.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Egypt's production of alliaceous vegetables increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 141 million US dollars, up 5.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 39.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Egypt in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Egypt

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 251.6 thousand tons, then peaked in 2017, resulting in a two-fold swing. In 2020, Egypt exported 367.4 thousand tons of alliaceous vegetables, a decline of 20.2% year-on-year. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 49.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 83.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of alliaceous vegetables from Egypt were Saudi Arabia, accounting for 31.9% of exports in kind, Russia at 12.4%, and the Netherlands at 9.7%. Together, these three countries made up 54.0% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Egypt in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 130.4 million US dollars, then peaked in 2019 at 270.6 million US dollars, reflecting a 2.1-fold fluctuation. In 2020, cross-border shipments reached 219.9 million US dollars, down 18.7% from 2019. The largest decline was in 2018 at 44.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 107.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Egypt in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, with 27.6% of exports in value terms, Russia at 13.6%, and the Netherlands at 9.5%, together accounted for 50.6% of total exports in value terms, making them the main destinations for alliaceous vegetables from Egypt.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Egypt in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Egypt

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Imports were at their lowest in 2018 at 1.4 thousand tons and peaked in 2020, showing a 4.2-fold variation. In 2020, Egypt imported 5.7 thousand tons of alliaceous vegetables, a rise of 157.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 62.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated imports in kind, accounting for 76.5% of total flows, with a fragmented distribution among other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Egypt in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports were lowest in 2018 at 2.6 million US dollars and highest in 2020, reflecting a 4.4-fold gap. In 2020, imports were recorded at 11.6 million US dollars, indicating a rise of 193.7% year-on-year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 44.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Egypt in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China dominated the partner structure of imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 90.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Egypt in value, 2017-2020