Egypt, a transcontinental country bridging Africa and Asia, has a diverse economy with a strong focus on international trade. In 2024, the Arab Republic of Egypt shipped US$38.8 billion worth of exported products around the globe.
This article delves into Egypt's major export products, exploring their significance and the dynamics of the country's trade relationships.
Where does Egypt export the most? Egypt's Top 15 Export Destination Countries in Billions of $
Egypt's Economic Landscape
The economy of Egypt is a developing, mixed economy, combining private enterprise with centralized economic planning and government regulation. It is the second-largest economy in Africa, and 45th in worldwide ranking as of 2025. Since the 2000s, structural reforms including fiscal and monetary policies, tax adjustments, privatization, and new business legislation have helped Egypt move towards a more market-oriented economy and increased foreign investment.
Egypt is undergoing a period of economic recovery after facing serious financial challenges. Despite facing significant challenges, especially external shocks such as the global economic impacts of the Ukraine conflict and regional instability, Egypt's economy remains resilient.
Egypt’s international trade has long been a central pillar of its economy, constituting 40% of its GDP according to the World Bank. The Egyptian government has set a target to increase exports to $145 billion by 2030.
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Top Export Product Categories
The following export product groups represent the highest dollar value in Egyptian global shipments during 2024. Also shown is the percentage share each export category represents in terms of overall exports from Egypt.
- Mineral fuels including oil: US$10.6 billion (27.4% of total exports)
- Electrical machinery, equipment: $2.5 billion (6.3%)
- Fertilizers: $2.4 billion (6.3%)
- Fruits, nuts: $2 billion (5.1%)
- Iron, steel: $1.9 billion (4.9%)
- Plastics, plastic articles: $1.84 billion (4.7%)
- Knit or crochet clothing, accessories: $1.53 billion (3.9%)
- Vegetables: $1.46 billion (3.8%)
- Gems, precious metals: $1.34 billion (3.5%)
- Salt, sulphur, stone, cement: $1.33 billion (3.4%)
Egypt’s top 10 export product categories generated exceeded two-thirds (69.3%) of the overall value of its global shipments.
From the more granular 4-digit HTS code perspective, processed petroleum oils were the top Egyptian export (20.5% of total exports) during 2024. In second place was crude oil (5.1%) trailed by nitrogenous fertilizers (4.1%), unwrought gold (3.4%), insulated wire or cable (3.2%), hot-rolled or non-alloy steel products (2.4%), fresh or dried citrus fruit (2.2%), copper wire (2.1%), television receivers, monitors and projectors (1.7%), then unknitted and non-crocheted men’s suits and trousers (1.6%).
Here's a closer look at some of Egypt's key exports:
1. Mineral Fuels Including Oil
Exports of crude petroleum rank as the #1 largest export of Egypt and accounts for 14% of its annual total. The worldwide crude petroleum export market is worth $1.08 trillion each year and Egypt’s export total represents a 0.46% share of that annual total.
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2. Processed Petroleum Oils
From the more granular 4-digit HTS code perspective, processed petroleum oils were the top Egyptian export (20.5% of total exports) during 2024.
3. Natural Gas
Product Code 271111 Product Name Natural gas, liquefied Data Source UN Comtrade Natural gas, liquefi ...9,861,231.00
4. Petroleum Oils
Product Code 271000 Product Name Petroleum oils, etc, (excl. Product Code 271000 Product Name Petroleum oils, etc, (excl. crude); preparation Data Source UN Comtrade Petroleum oils, etc, ...5,804,520.54 Product Code 270900 Product Name Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminou Data Source UN Comtrade Petroleum oils and o ...4,627,680.00
5. Fertilizers
Historically, Egypt has highly positive net exports in the international trade of fertilizers. In turn, these cashflows indicate Egypt’s strong competitive advantages under the fertilizers product category.
6. Gold
Gold is the largest export market of Egypt and represents 5.28% of its annual total, although the $1.86 billion annual figure does not give it a position in the top fifteen of gold-exporting countries. Egypt has substantial mineral resources and has an estimated 1 million ounces of gold in the Eastern Desert alone.
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7. Agricultural Products
Egypt’s unique agricultural landscape, combined with its favorable climate, has positioned it as a top exporter of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. These products meet the stringent demands of global markets, with Egypt known for consistently delivering high-quality produce.
Among agricultural exports are rice, onions, garlic, and citrus fruit.
Agricultural exports by value, totaling $1.9 billion. This represents a 24-percent increase from 2019.
Egypt’s top five fruit and vegetable exports:
- Oranges: As the world’s largest exporter of oranges, Egypt ships over 1.8 million tons of the fruit annually to over 100 countries. The most prominent markets include the European Union, Russia, and China.
- Onions: Known for their robust flavor and versatility, Egyptian onions are used in various global cuisines and are highly sought after due to their high quality and competitive pricing.
- Garlic: Egyptian garlic is renowned for its bold flavor and nutrient-rich content. This powerful crop is widely exported across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, where it is used extensively in cooking. Egypt ships over 140,000 tons of garlic annually, placing it as a major global supplier.
- Pomegranates: Egypt is emerging as a significant player in the global pomegranate market. With its rich soils and favorable climate, Egyptian pomegranates are vibrant in color, full of flavor, and rich in health-promoting antioxidants. Egypt exports around 120,000 tons of pomegranates every year, making it a key supplier to Europe, the Gulf states, and Asia.
- Sweet Potatoes: Egypt’s sweet potato exports are on the rise, particularly in Europe, where the demand for the Beauregard variety is increasing. Egyptian sweet potatoes, known for their vibrant orange flesh and sweet taste, are recognized for their high quality and excellent nutritional value.
Product Code 100110 Product Name Durum wheat Data Source UN Comtrade Durum wheat4,086,168.18 Product Code 100590 Product Name Maize (excl. seed) Data Source UN Comtrade Maize (excl.
Egypt’s Major International Trade Partners
The latest data from 2023 shows that 55.2% of products exported from Egypt was bought by importers in: Türkiye (9% of the Egyptian total), Italy (7.5%), Saudi Arabia (6.4%), United Arab Emirates (5.3%), United States of America (4.6%), Libya (4.3%), Spain (4.2%), Greece (3.7%), United Kingdom (2.9%), India (2.8%), Sudan (2.3%) and the Netherlands (2.2%).
From a continental perspective, 39.3% of Egypt’s exports by value was delivered to Asian countries while 34.7% was sold to European importers. Egypt shipped another 17.7% worth of goods to buyers in Africa.
Smaller percentages went to customers in North America (6.1%), Latin America (2.1%) excluding Mexico but including the Caribbean, then Oceania (0.1%) led by Australia and New Zealand.
Trade Agreements and Economic Zones
Egypt's exports are supported by modern farming techniques, a well-developed logistical infrastructure, and government policies that promote agricultural exports.
Over the years, the country has pursued greater economic integration through a series of free trade agreements, including those with the EU-Egypt Association Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Egypt's participation in the AfCFTA is expected to enhance its trade with African markets, expanding beyond its traditional partners in Europe and the Middle East.
Beyond its role as a maritime corridor, the Suez Canal has become an economic hub, with the establishment of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). These zones offer cost advantages, exemption from non-tariff barriers, and access to Egypt’s large labor pool, attracting both local and foreign investors.
Trade Deficits and Surpluses
Egypt incurred an estimated -US$38.8 billion product trade deficit for 2024, down by -5.6% from the -$41.1 billion in red ink one year earlier for 2023.
Historically, Egypt has highly negative net exports and therefore deep international trade deficits for machinery-related products.
The following types of Egyptian product shipments represent positive net exports or a trade balance surplus.
- Fertilizers: US$2.3 billion (Up by 5.3% since 2023)
- Fruits, nuts: $1.8 billion (Down by -1.3%)
- Knit or crochet clothing, accessories: $1.4 billion (Up by 103.7%)
- Clothing, accessories (not knit or crochet): $1.2 billion (Down by -18.9%)
- Salt, sulphur, stone, cement: $1.15 billion (Up by 3.6%)
- Gems, precious metals: $1.1 billion (Down by -35.3%)
- Vegetables: $809.8 million (Down by -23.1%)
- Vegetable/fruit/nut preparations: $661 million (Down by -12.5%)
- Copper: $518.6 million (Reversing a -$1 billion deficit)
- Textile floor coverings: $347.1 million (Down by -0.8%)
Key Trends and Challenges
Several factors influence Egypt's export capabilities:
- Year-Round Availability: The favorable climate allows for a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the year.
- Competitive Pricing: The efficiency of Egypt’s agricultural sector translates to cost advantages for international buyers.
- Quality Assurance: Egyptian exporters adhere to international standards, including certifications like Global GAP, ensuring that importers receive top-tier produce.
- Strategic Location: Egypt’s proximity to Europe, Asia, and Africa enables fast shipping, reducing transportation costs and time.
Egypt’s economic challenges have led to a considerable slowdown in imports as importers struggle to access foreign currency to make payments, and consumers increasingly spend their monies on essentials.
Geographic proximity favors competing suppliers due to higher shipping costs from the United States.
Import regulations are, at times, complex and non-transparent.
Conclusion
Egypt's diverse export portfolio, ranging from mineral fuels to agricultural products, reflects its strategic position and economic potential. By understanding the dynamics of its trade relationships and the key factors driving its export capabilities, stakeholders can navigate the Egyptian market effectively.
The Egyptian government considers remittances from Egyptians abroad vital to the economy and aims to sustain their growth as part of its broader economic strategy.
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