Cairo:Egypt's food exports have shown significant growth, reaching approximately $5.821 billion from January to September 2026, compared with $5.170 billion during the same period in 2025. This represents a 12.6% increase, or around $651 million, as reported by the Food Export Council on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
According to State Information Service Egypt, exports in September alone were about $655 million, up from $542 million in September 2025, marking a 20.9% year-on-year increase. This figure indicates the sector's second-highest monthly growth rate for the year, highlighting sustained export momentum as the last quarter begins.
The growth reflects the enhanced competitiveness of Egyptian food products and the success of exporters in penetrating international markets. This achievement is attributed to a diversified production base, increased value addition across many products, and the efforts of the Food Export Council, alongside other stakeholders, to support exports and facilitate access to overseas markets.
The data suggests that the growth in exports was driven by a broader range of markets and products, rather than a dependence on a few destinations. A total of 120 markets recorded growth in their imports of Egyptian food products. Additionally, 2,848 active exporting companies shipped products to 182 markets worldwide, compared to 2,710 companies serving 179 markets in the same period of 2025.
A quarterly analysis indicates that exports in the first quarter of 2026 amounted to approximately $1.770 billion, a 7.9% increase from $1.641 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The second quarter saw exports rise to about $2.055 billion, up from $1.773 billion in 2025, marking 15.9% growth. Third-quarter exports reached around $1.996 billion, compared to $1.756 billion in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 13.6% increase.
The second and third quarters together contributed to approximately 80% of the total export increase during the period, while the first quarter accounted for about 20%, indicating continued positive performance and success in market diversification by Egyptian exporting companies.