Egypt has expanded its pomegranate exports to new international destinations, including Venezuela, while strengthening its presence in Arab markets. Despite competition from Spain and Türkiye, the country continues to record export growth supported by a long harvesting season and increasing production volumes.
Egypt's comparative advantage in pomegranate cultivation lies in its extended season and diverse range of varieties. The country grows local types such as Manfaloti, Taif, and Baladi, along with the American Wonderful variety, which has shown high yields and good quality under Egyptian growing conditions. This varietal diversity allows Egypt to maintain a year-round supply to international markets even when other exporters face seasonal gaps.
In 2023, Egypt's pomegranate cultivation area nearly doubled to 77,130 feddan (32,400 hectares), representing 5% of the country's total fruit-growing area. Production reached 883,540 tons, marking a 141% year-on-year increase and accounting for about 6% of total national fruit output. Nubaria was the leading production zone with 683,460 tons, representing 77.4% of the total. Assiut followed with 122,175 tons, or 14%, while Beheira governorate contributed 21,976 tons.
Pomegranates ranked among Egypt's top ten agricultural export commodities in the first nine months of 2025. Between January and September, exports reached US$78.1 million, up 40% compared with the same period in 2024 and accounting for 2.1% of total agricultural exports. During the same period, Egyptian pomegranates were shipped to 52 markets. The UAE was the largest importer with purchases worth US$39 million, or 50% of the total export value, followed by Syria with US$24 million and Russia with US$4 million.
According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), Egypt could increase pomegranate exports by an additional US$147 million by 2028. The ITC identified the Netherlands, the UAE, and France as key markets with untapped potential. As production expands and new markets open, Egypt continues to position itself as a competitive exporter in the global pomegranate trade.
Source: ZAWYA
