Arab Finance: Egypt's food industry exports hit $3.77 billion during the first half (H1) of 2026, marking the highest semi-annual export value in the sector's history, according to the Export Council for Food Industries.

The figure represents a 10.4% year-on-year (YoY) increase from $3.414 billion, driven by the expansion of Egypt's export market base and a broader range of food products shipped to international markets.

The council’s report noted that 108 export markets increased their imports of Egyptian food products during the period, with the European Union (EU) recording the strongest growth rate among the major regional markets.

Export momentum accelerated in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, which accounted for around 66% of the total H1 increase. Food exports rose by 7.5% YoY to $1.76 billion in Q1 2026, before accelerating further in Q2, when exports climbed 13.2% YoY to $2.01 billion.

Arab countries remained the largest destination for Egyptian food exports, importing products valued at $1.74 billion during H1 2026, equivalent to 46% of the sector's total exports.

The EU came in second place with total exports of $852 million, posting the highest growth rate among the major international groups at 15.4% YoY.