Egypt’s wheat flour exports are projected to rise by 20% in the 2025/26 marketing year, reaching 1.7 million metric tons (MMT), according to a recent report by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) in Cairo. The growth is driven by strong demand from conflict-affected countries in the Middle East and Africa, where local milling capacities remain limited.

Egypt has solidified its role as a key supplier of wheat flour to neighboring markets, including Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Somalia, Djibouti, Syria, and the Palestinian Territories. The report highlights that competitive pricing, geographic proximity, and expanded milling capacity have enabled Egypt to capitalize on export opportunities. Over the past five years, private sector mills have significantly increased production, particularly for high-quality flour used in baked goods and non-subsidized bread.

The shift toward exporting wheat flour is also influenced by changing regional dynamics. Many neighboring countries with limited milling infrastructure due to conflict or economic instability rely on Egyptian flour to meet basic food needs. With improved access to foreign currency and a rebound in consumer demand, Egyptian flour producers are well-positioned to grow their market share in the region.

EGYPT’S WHEAT IMPORTS TO HOLD AT 13 MMT

Domestic wheat production for 2025/26 is estimated at 9.3 MMT, a 1% increase from the previous year, supported by higher government procurement prices and expanded cultivation areas. However, challenges such as water scarcity and urbanization persist.

Egypt’s total wheat consumption is forecast at 20.4 MMT for MY 2025/26, up by 1.5 percent from the prior year due to steady population growth. The country’s wheat import needs remain high, with MY 2025/26 imports projected at 13.0 MMT—matching the previous year’s record high. A large portion of these imports supports both the national bread subsidy program and the expanding flour export sector.