Dried shelled legumes market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled legumes in Egypt expanded significantly from $704.8 million in 2018 to $955.7 million in 2023, reflecting an overall increase of over 35%. This growth was not linear, with a period of stabilization in 2020 followed by accelerated expansion in 2021. Underlying this trend were efforts to enhance the quality and international competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural products.

A key development was the introduction of a farm coding system in 2020, which raised product standards and helped prevent non-compliant goods from reaching export markets. This bolstered foreign buyer confidence and supported production volumes. Subsequently, the sustained growth in exports of processed vegetables, including steamed or boiled frozen items, indicated robust external demand. By 2023, the further opening of new export destinations for Egyptian agricultural goods provided additional avenues for market growth, contributing to the rise in domestic market value even as export volumes increased.

Production dried shelled legumes in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

Egypt's production of dried shelled legumes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 548.2 K t, marking a 2.1% rise from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 527.4 K t, which also saw the largest annual decline of 22.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Egypt's production of dried shelled legumes rebounded in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 519.3 M $ US, representing an 11.4% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value was observed in 2019 at 466.1 M $ US, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 9.0%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Egypt

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decrease, Egypt's exports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms showed an uptick. In 2020, export volume reached 153 K t, which is 19.1% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports overall decreased by 12.8%, translating to an annualized rate of -4.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 128 K t, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 25.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt's exports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms were relatively diversified. The top three destinations—Algeria (15.4% of exports), Iraq (10.9%), and Morocco (10.3%)—collectively accounted for only 36.6% of total flows, indicating a broad distribution across multiple markets.

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, the value of Egypt's dried shelled legumes exports totaled 144.9 M $ US, a 30.0% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports in value terms grew by 6.3%, with an annualized rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 111.5 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 157.5 M $ US. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 29.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt's export portfolio for dried shelled legumes in value terms was quite diverse. The leading partners—Algeria (18.7% of exports), Iraq (12.7%), and Turkey (9.2%)—together represented only 40.6% of total flows, highlighting a wide range of trading relationships.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Egypt

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for dried shelled legumes in Egypt exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with the peak being 2.8 times higher than the trough. In 2020, imports amounted to 459 K t, a significant decrease of 61.9% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 205 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 124.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt's imports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms were concentrated among a few key suppliers. Australia (31.8% of imports), Canada (15.8%), and Lithuania (15.8%) formed the main group, together accounting for 63.5% of total 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

After two years of growth, Egypt's imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms declined. In 2020, imports reached 382.9 M $ US, reflecting a 5.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports overall increased by 6.1%, with an annualized rate of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 402.9 M $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 6.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Egypt's imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms were dominated by a few major markets. Australia (33.7% of imports), Canada (14.4%), and Lithuania (13.5%) formed the core group, collectively representing 61.6% 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