Saudi Arabia leads imported markets for Egyptian food industries in 8 months

A report by the Egyptian Food Industries Export Council revealed that food industry exports reached $5.128 billion between January and August 2026, compared to approximately $4.629 billion during the same period in 2025, representing an increase of $499 million and a growth rate of 10.8 percent.

Arab countries topped the list of the largest importers of Egyptian food products, with a value of $2.419 billion, up from $2.222 billion, reflecting an 8.9 percent growth. This group accounted for approximately 47 percent of the sector’s total exports. The European Union ranked second, with exports reaching $1.124 billion, up from $968 million, an increase of $155 million, bringing its share to 22 percent. Exports to the United States rose to $334 million, up from $306 million, with an 8.9 percent growth. Meanwhile, exports to non-African African countries amounted to $356 million, compared to $345 million, representing a 3.3 percent increase.

Saudi Arabia maintained its position as the largest market for Egyptian food products, with a value of $423 million, reflecting an 18 percent growth and an increase of $64 million. The United States ranked second, with exports valued at $334 million. Jordan followed with $228 million, Libya with $226 million (up 9 percent), and Sudan with $214 million (up 9 percent).

Mahmoud Bazan, Chairman of the Food Industries Export Council, stated, “The results reflect the continued improvement in the competitiveness of Egyptian food products and the success of companies in expanding into foreign markets, supported by the diversification of the production base and the increased added value of many products.”

In a separate development, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Rand Al-Manshaawi announced that the New Damietta City Development Authority would begin handing over residential land plots to Egyptians working abroad under the “Home of the Nation” project. The eighth supplementary phase will follow a schedule starting on Monday, October 12, and ending on Monday, November 16, 2026, to facilitate the handover process for citizens.

Ashraf Fathy, Head of the New Damietta City Development Authority, stated that the handover operations would proceed according to the announced schedule. Monday, November 16, 2026, would be dedicated to handing over plot E90, as well as plots for those who failed to collect theirs on previous days.

Meanwhile, the official website of the Central Bank of Egypt announced the issuance of treasury bills in Egyptian pounds on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, totaling EGP 100 billion. These were distributed across two issuances: the first valued at EGP 30 billion with a maturity of 91 days, and the second valued at EGP 70 billion with a maturity of 273 days, as part of efforts to meet financing needs and manage liquidity in the market.