Egypt’s food-industry exports rose 10.5 percent during the first half of 2026, reaching a record $3.771 billion, according to the Food Export Council. The total was the highest ever recorded by the sector for a six-month period and compared with $3.414 billion in the first half of 2025. Import demand for Egyptian food products increased across 108 countries.

The pace of growth accelerated as the year progressed. First-quarter exports reached about $1.76 billion, a year-on-year increase of 7.5 percent, while second-quarter shipments climbed 13.2 percent to $2.01 billion. The second quarter generated roughly two-thirds of the overall increase recorded during the six months.

Arab countries remained the largest regional market, purchasing about $1.74 billion of Egyptian food products. That represented annual growth of 9.4 percent and 46 percent of the industry’s total exports. The European Union ranked second with $852 million, up 15.4 percent, and increased its share to about 23 percent.

Together, Arab and European Union markets accounted for around 69 percent of total food exports. Saudi Arabia remained the largest individual destination, with shipments increasing 18 percent to $308 million. The United States followed at about $255 million, up 9 percent, while exports to Jordan grew 24 percent to $166 million.

Frozen strawberries were the sector’s highest-earning product, generating $489 million after an 8 percent rise. Soft-drink concentrates brought in $306 million, an increase of 2 percent, and edible-oil exports advanced 26 percent to $230 million. The figures show that growth came from both established regional buyers and stronger sales across a wider group of products and destinations.