Sweet potatoe market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

In the initial years, Egypt's sweet potato production stood at 496.8 тыс. т in 2018, with the crop historically considered a minor one and primarily used as animal feed. Production then fluctuated, falling to 447.0 тыс. т in 2019, rising to 531.3 тыс. т in 2020, declining again to 491.2 тыс. т in 2021, and dropping sharply to 318.6 тыс. т in 2022. Market volume followed a similar pattern, reaching a low of 252.5 тыс. т in 2022.

A turnaround began in 2023 as production recovered to 391.9 тыс. т and market volume grew to 290.8 тыс. т. This increase was driven by a significant expansion of planted area for sweet potatoes and successful export penetration, particularly into the European Union, where Egypt became a leading supplier to Germany due to geographic advantages that reduced shipping costs. Exports rose to 101.0 тыс. т in 2023 and reached 128.3 тыс. т in 2024, supported by improved processing and cold-storage technologies and regulatory measures to streamline seed potato imports, enabling more companies to participate in cultivation.

Production sweet potatoe in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Egypt ranked as the 26th largest producer of sweet potatoes during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

World map of production of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

In 2020, Egypt produced 531.3 thousand tons of sweet potatoes, marking a significant increase of 18.9% compared to the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 49.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.4%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 10.0%. Conversely, the largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a rise of 39.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of sweet potato production in Egypt reached 635.7 million US dollars, up by 22.9% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, the production value increased by 64.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 18.0%. The most notable decrease was in 2019, with a drop of 8.6%, while the highest increase was in 2018, at 46.3%.

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

Exports sweet potatoe from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt exported 39 072 tons of sweet potatoes, which represents a 7.5% decrease year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 42 238 tons, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 107.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia were the primary destinations for Egypt's sweet potato exports in terms of volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 42.5% of exports, the Netherlands for 20.6%, and Saudi Arabia for 10.7%. Together, these three countries made up 73.8% 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 performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values varied by 2.8 times, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Egypt's sweet potato exports were valued at 46 755 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 4.4% decline compared to the previous year. The peak value was in 2019 at 48 898 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also recorded that year at 111.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia led Egypt's sweet potato exports in value terms. The United Kingdom contributed 42.5% of export value, the Netherlands 20.7%, and Saudi Arabia 10.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 73.8% of total export 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 sweet potatoe to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

The data indicates irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 357-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Egypt imported 15 tons of sweet potatoes, down by 2.3% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 tons, with the largest increase occurring that year at 35 568.8%.

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

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, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values fluctuated by a factor of 439, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Egypt's sweet potato imports were valued at 17 thousand US dollars, which is 13.5% lower year-over-year. The peak value was in 2019 at 20 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 37 592.0%.

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

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

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