Egypt’s food industry exports rose by 25% in the first half (H1) of 2024, to reach $3.2 billion, achieving a growth value of $638 million compared to exports for the same period in 2023, which amounted to $2.5 billion, according to a report released by Food Export Council (FEC).

Egyptian food exports were dominated by sales to Arab countries during the first half of 2024, reaching $1.64 billion, which accounted for 52% of the total exports, with a growth of 24%.

Following this, the European Union contributed $701 million, making up 22% of the total exports and experiencing a remarkable growth rate of 55%.

Exports to non-Arab African nations stood at $225 million, representing 7% of the total exports and growing by 9%.

The United States followed with imports from Egypt totaling $160 million, accounting for 5% of the total exports and growing by 28%. Other regions collectively imported goods worth $437 million, comprising 14% of the total and showing a growth of 4%.

As for the most important food commodities exported during the months from January to June 2024, exports of soft drinks topped the list with a value of $309 million and a growth rate of 10% compared to exports for the same period in 2023.

 Followed by flour and starch with a value of $276 million, achieving a growth rate of 39%. Frozen strawberries with a value of $248 million and a growth rate of 24%.

Juices worth $157 million and a growth rate of 91%. Edible oils worth $146 million and a growth rate of 180%.

Total exports of Egyptian food industries during the period from January 2020 to May 2024 amounted to $20.3 billion.

Exports in 2020 amounted to about $3.4 billion, exports in 2021 amounted to $4.1 billion, exports in 2022 amounted to $4.5 billion, and exports in 2023 amounted to $5.1 billion.