Cairo: The Food Export Council (FEC) has reported a notable increase in Egyptian food industry exports to 10 major markets, achieving a total of $1.679 billion during the first seven months of 2026. This marks a substantial rise from $1.281 billion recorded in the same period of the previous year, reflecting an increase of approximately $398 million.
According to State Information Service Egypt, these 10 markets accounted for about 38 percent of Egypt's overall food industry exports from January to July 2026. This performance highlights the significant growth potential for Egyptian food products across diverse regions including Arab, European, Asian, and American markets.
Among these markets, South Korea exhibited the most pronounced growth, with Egyptian food exports skyrocketing by 126 percent to approximately $38 million, a sharp increase from $17 million in the same timeframe of 2025. Spain followed with an export growth of 107 percent, reaching $188 million, up from $91 million.
Exports to the United Kingdom also grew significantly, rising by 46 percent to $108 million compared to $74 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Palestinian markets saw a 38 percent increase in imports of Egyptian food, amounting to $142 million from $103 million, while Algeria experienced a 29 percent rise to $159 million from $123 million.
In the Arab region, Jordanian imports of Egyptian food rose by 20 percent to $194 million, compared with $161 million in the same period of the previous year. Exports to both Saudi Arabia and Iraq increased by 19 percent, with Saudi Arabia importing $363 million, up from $304 million, and Iraq importing $156 million, up from $132 million.
Further growth was observed in exports to the Netherlands, which climbed 21 percent to $189 million from $156 million in 2025. Meanwhile, Chinese markets imported 19 percent more Egyptian food products, totaling $142 million, up from $120 million.
The FEC emphasized that this robust performance underscores the competitiveness of Egyptian food products, their potential for international expansion, and the ability to strengthen their position in traditional markets while achieving growth in new destinations. The increase in export earnings is expected to diversify Egypt's export markets.
The council remains committed to supporting exporting companies by providing essential market insights and marketing strategies, organizing trade missions, and participating in international exhibitions. These efforts are aimed at helping companies seize growth opportunities and establish new channels and markets for Egyptian food exports.