Egyptian exports in 2023/24 are forecast to increase by 25 percent to reach a record 2.0 million tons due to higher yields per hectare and the opening of new markets. Egypt is expected to maintain its position as the number one orange exporter by volume. As a primary Egyptian fruit export, the Egyptian government, local producers, and exporters continue to invest in crop improvements and enhance quality to maintain and expand export markets and compete with other suppliers.
Most orange exporters are producers who own packing facilities approved for export by the government. They also buy from local farmers if their production is not sufficient to meet their export obligations. Other exporters own packing facilities but do not produce oranges, and thus rely on local farmers. The export season for oranges usually start with shipments to the Arabian Gulf followed by Russia, and then to the European Union and East Asia.
Orange production in 2023/24 is forecast up 3 percent to 3.7 million tons due to optimum weather conditions and temperatures during flowering, which increased fruit set. Oranges are the major citrus crop in Egypt with the top export varieties including Navel and Valencia oranges. The export season generally starts during the middle of November and with cold storage, shipments extend to late July. With the jump in production, top export markets are expected to include the European Union, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
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Source: fas.usda.gov