Figs market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The Egyptian figs market experienced notable volatility in production volumes between 2018 and 2023, with a sharp peak in 2020 when output reached 299.5 thousand tonnes. This surge was largely driven by the increasing cultivation of prickly pear figs, which gained popularity among farmers due to its low production costs, high profitability per feddan, and low water consumption, making it an attractive economic crop.

Following the 2020 peak, production volumes returned to levels around 211–215 thousand tonnes. During this period, farming of common figs (Barbary figs) continued to expand, particularly in regions like South Sinai, supported by the distribution of subsidized seedlings and technical guidance on irrigation and pruning to improve yields. Meanwhile, the domestic market for prickly pear saw significant retail price fluctuations, influenced by trader speculation, while the fruit's role in providing seasonal employment remained consistent.

By 2023, the market had stabilized with a slight increase to 215.0 thousand tonnes, as the sector continued to benefit from the established cultivation practices and the ongoing geographical expansion of fig orchards across several governorates.

Production figs in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was the world's second-largest producer of figs.

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

In 2020, Egypt produced 299.5 thousand tons of figs, marking a 39.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 54.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 15.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of figs in Egypt was valued at 1 324 million US dollars, showing a 42.0% rise from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 53.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 5.2%.

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

Exports figs from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt exported 89.8 tons of figs, reflecting a sharp increase of 28.0% from the year before. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 38.7 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 16.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 81.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt's fig exports in kind were distributed across numerous markets. Kuwait, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates accounted for 16.0%, 14.6%, and 11.5% of exports in kind, respectively, but together they represented only 42.1% of total 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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.3 times. In 2020, the value of figs exported from Egypt amounted to 397 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 30.8% increase over the previous year. The minimum value was in 2018 at 172 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2018, at 16.4%, and the largest increase was in 2019, at 76.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt's fig exports in value terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. Kuwait, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates accounted for 16.0%, 14.7%, and 11.5% of exports in value terms, respectively, but together they made up just 42.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports figs to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2020, Egypt imported a total of 943.0 tons of figs, which is 3.3% smaller than the previous year. The maximum value was in 2019 at 943.0 tons. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 93.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two countries—Syria and Turkey—concentrated the majority of imports in kind, with a combined share of 99.9% 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, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, differing by 2.4 times. In 2020, Egypt imported a total of 4 207 thousand US dollars of figs, corresponding to a small decrease of 1.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 4 482 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, at 4.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 137.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria and Turkey captured most of imports in value terms, jointly taking 99.9% 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