Citrus fruit market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market volume for citrus fruit in Egypt increased from 7.6 million tonnes in 2018 to 9.5 million tonnes in 2023. This growth was initially supported by the broader expansion of Egypt's food processing sector, driven by population growth and improved economic conditions following the operational start of the Zohr natural gas field, which reduced reliance on fuel imports.

In 2020, the market volume surged by 18% to 9.3 million tonnes. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Egyptian ports maintained continuous operations, securing the export flow of citrus to European markets and supporting domestic production. After a post-pandemic correction and stabilization around 8.4 million tonnes in 2021-2022, the market recovered to its 2023 peak.

Market dynamics were also shaped by evolving consumer behavior and structure. A short-lived 2018 campaign to boycott fruits and vegetables due to high prices did not alter long-term consumption volumes. Later, new trends emerged, including the launch of online sales channels for premium tropical fruit and a growing number of specialized export companies, indicating market diversification.

Production citrus fruit in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Egypt ranked as the 7th largest producer of citrus fruit from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Egypt's citrus fruit production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 10 894 thousand tons, marking a substantial 22.6% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 866 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year at 2.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of citrus fruit output in Egypt was 5 777 million US dollars, showing a notable 10.1% decrease compared to the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 21.8%, averaging a 7.9% annual decline. The lowest value occurred in 2018 at 5 422 million US dollars, with the steepest drop that year at 26.6%. In contrast, the largest increase was in 2019, at 18.6%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Egypt

Exports in kind, K t

Egypt exported 1 566 thousand tons of citrus fruit in 2020, representing a sharp 55.4% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 100.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.2%. The most significant decline was in 2019 at 19.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 61.3%.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across numerous markets. Russia accounted for 17.1% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 15.4%, and China for 10.5%, together making up 43.1% of total flows. The remaining 56.9% was spread among other trading partners.

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

In 2020, Egypt's citrus fruit exports were valued at 830.4 million US dollars, reflecting a robust 13.9% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 30.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 5.2%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 21.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt's export destinations in value terms were highly diversified. Russia contributed 18.0% of export value, Saudi Arabia 15.4%, and China 9.8%, collectively accounting for 43.2% of total flows. The remaining 56.8% came from a broad range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Egypt

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. The lowest level was in 2017, with the peak reached in 2020, resulting in an 8.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt imported 0.3 thousand tons of citrus fruit, a dramatic 168.9% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 21.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 292.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the key sources for Egypt's citrus fruit imports by volume were France, with 11.2% of imports, Saudi Arabia with 7.5%, and Syria with 1.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 19.7% of total import flows.

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

Import values exhibited high volatility over these years. The lowest point was in 2017, and the highest in 2020, with a 10.6-fold variation between them. In 2020, Egypt's citrus fruit imports totaled 0.4 million US dollars, a steep 235.3% rise year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 39.3%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 422.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France was the leading source for Egypt's citrus fruit imports by value, accounting for 16.0%, followed by Saudi Arabia at 6.4%, and Syria at 0.8%. These three markets together represented 23.2% of total import flows.

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

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