Bananas market in Egypt, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Banana production in Egypt increased from 1 293 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 347 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture's push for modern irrigation and tissue-culture techniques to expand cultivation areas with disease-free seedlings, alongside initiatives to promote sustainable farming and reduce water waste.

Output fell to 1 185 thousand tons in 2021 as authorities heightened quality controls over production standards and fertilizer use, coinciding with the launch of the climate‑adaptation program 'FAST'. Production rebounded to 1 358 thousand tons by 2023, driven by a reported 1.7% expansion of crop area and reinforced by domestic price inflation that increased the profitability of banana farming. Exports jumped to 62 thousand tons in 2023 amid government efforts to explore African markets for banana by‑products.

In 2024, the government banned new banana plantations in desert regions to conserve water, while promoting drip‑irrigation upgrades and projects to convert waste into organic fertilizer and eco‑friendly packaging, aiming to ensure long‑term sustainability alongside growing export activity.

Production bananas in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Egypt ranked as the 18th largest producer of bananas between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of bananas, 2017-2020

World map of production of bananas, 2017-2020

Egypt's banana production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 347 thousand tonnes of bananas, a 1.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 293 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a 2.9% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Egypt's banana production value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 716 million US dollars, marking a substantial decrease of 13.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 25.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 053 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 21.1% decrease.

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

Exports bananas from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a staggering 25 139-fold difference between these years. In 2020, banana deliveries from Egypt totaled zero tonnes, representing a complete loss of 100.0% compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 425 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 203.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Egypt's banana exports in volume were Jordan, accounting for 30.3% of exports, Iraq with 26.1%, and Saudi Arabia at 17.2%. Together, these three countries made up 73.6% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Export values hit their lowest in 2020 and reached their highest in 2019, reflecting a massive 29 510-fold gap. In 2020, foreign banana supplies from Egypt were recorded at zero thousand US dollars, constituting a 100.0% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 266 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 250.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia—collectively absorbed 72.9% of Egypt's total banana exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports bananas to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

Egypt's banana imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 9 517 tonnes of bananas, representing a 98.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 202.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 44.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ecuador effectively monopolized banana imports to Egypt, accounting for 98.4% of total import volumes.

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, K $ US

Egypt's banana import value rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume amounted to 6 720 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp gain of 92.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 186.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 42.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ecuador remained the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of bananas to Egypt, accounting for 98.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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