Egypt increases sweetpotato exports to EU and UK
Egypt's sweetpotato production continues to grow, driven by increasing export demand, particularly from Europe. Domestic consumption remains high due to competitive pricing and nutritional value.
In Egypt, planting begins in April, with harvest in August. Since 2021, planted area has expanded by 33.3 per cent, while production has increased by 16.8 per cent, reaching 440,000 metric tons (MT). Growth has been supported by new varieties and cultivation methods aimed at meeting preferences in export markets, mainly the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). Production is concentrated in the Nile Delta and Middle Egypt, with Beauregard, Evangeline, and Bellevue as the main orange-fleshed varieties. Organic production is also present.
Around 40–45 per cent of production is consumed locally, mostly baked or used in winter meals, cakes, and pastries. Street vendors in urban areas commonly sell baked sweet potatoes during the colder months. Domestic demand is expected to continue increasing, supported by a growing health-conscious population.
In 2024, Egypt exported sweetpotatoes valued at US$181.8 million worldwide, with the EU as a leading destination. Expansion has been supported by the Agriculture Export Council (AEC) through improved production techniques, packaging to meet international standards, and infrastructure investment.
Exports to the EU rose from 35,224 MT in 2020 to 149,551 MT in 2024, with value increasing from US$28 million to US$113 million. The main competitor in the EU market is the United States, but the supply period overlap has decreased. Egypt's peak export season runs from August to January, when U.S. supply to the EU is minimal. The U.S. dominates from February to July. Egypt's geographic proximity provides an advantage in serving EU markets.
Exports to the UK have also increased, with volumes rising from 28,522 MT in 2020 to 49,879 MT in 2024. The value of Egyptian exports to the UK grew from US$197 million in 2020 to US$331 million in 2024. The UK's high consumption is supported by a strong food processing sector and consumer openness to new products. Egyptian exports are replacing part of the market traditionally supplied by the U.S.
Egypt's August to November production window aligns with supply gaps from other origins, supporting continued export growth to both the EU and UK.