Egypt's wheat imports surged 14.5% in 2023: Official

The government imported five million tons of this total, Ashmawy highlighted in press statements.

Ashmawy further explained that Egypt heavily relied on the Black Sea corridor for more than 80 percent of its wheat imports last year. However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict hampered trade, including agricultural exports, from Black Sea ports.

Following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grains Initiative in July, which guaranteed the safe passage of ships, concerns arose over a potential decline in essential food supplies and a severe global food crisis.

Moreover, the number of entities importing wheat to Egypt increased to 45 in 2023, including both government and private sectors, compared to only 31 in 2022. Of these, the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) was the leading importer.

Addressing the country's strategic reserves, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Ali Moselhi recently offered assurances that Egypt possesses sufficient wheat reserves to cover local consumption needs for 4.8 months.