Egypt’s sugar exports reach US$290M in 2025 as shipments grow
Egypt exported around $290 million worth of sugar in 2025, with volumes reaching 581,000 tonnes, making it the world’s 14th-largest exporter. Lebanon, Sudan and Somalia were key markets, while exports grew strongly as Egypt resumed overseas shipments.
EGYPT – Egypt’s exports of cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose in solid form reached about $290 million in 2025, according to the Food Export Council (FEC), highlighting continued growth in the country’s sugar export trade.
Export volumes reached approximately 581,000 tonnes during the year, with Egypt ranking 14th globally among exporters of the product and accounting for about 2% of global exports, the Council said in a statement.
The value of Egyptian sugar exports recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% between 2020 and 2025, while export volumes increased at a CAGR of 11% over the same period.
The FEC said Egyptian sugar exports were mainly concentrated in Arab and African markets, alongside selected European destinations.
Lebanon was the largest market for Egyptian sugar exports in 2025, receiving shipments valued at $107 million. This represented 37% of Egypt’s total exports of the product during the year.
Sudan ranked second, with exports worth $69 million, accounting for 24% of the total. Somalia followed with $29 million, representing 10%, while Yemen received $20 million, or 7%. Italy was the fifth-largest destination, with shipments valued at $14 million, equivalent to 5%.
Together, the five leading markets accounted for approximately $239 million, representing about 82% of Egypt’s total sugar exports in 2025.
The Council said the performance reflected the ability of Egyptian sugar products to expand in foreign markets, while identifying further opportunities through market diversification and access to new international destinations.
The FEC said the strong growth in export value and volume in recent years demonstrated the expansion of Egyptian products in overseas markets.
The export performance comes after Egypt recently announced plans to resume sugar exports through the end of 2026, subject to domestic supply requirements being met.
The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade has permitted exports of all types of sugar, nearly three years after Egypt introduced restrictions on overseas shipments in early 2023.
The restrictions were subsequently extended every three months as the government sought to ensure sufficient domestic supplies.
The resumption of exports comes as local sugar producers face rising inventories and difficulties selling output. The policy allows exporters to access international markets while maintaining the requirement that domestic sugar needs are met first.
With exports already showing strong growth between 2020 and 2025, Egypt’s renewed access to international markets is expected to provide exporters with additional opportunities through 2026.
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Source : Food Business MEA
