Egypt's Wheat Imports Drop 42% in October Amid Global Price Pressures

November 7, 2026 · Tarım Pusulası

Egypt's wheat imports fell to 1.15 million tons in October due to global price pressures, a strong dollar, and Black Sea logistical challenges.

Wheat Shipments Decline in October

Egypt, one of the world's largest wheat buyers, saw its October imports drop by 42% to 1.15 million tons compared to the same period last year. According to trade sources, the decline was primarily driven by rising global wheat prices, a strong dollar exchange rate, and logistical disruptions along the Black Sea route. The country's total wheat purchases for the January-October 2026 period also decreased from 10.86 million tons last year to 10.18 million tons. This resulted in a contraction of 671.7 thousand tons, or 6.2%, in total wheat supply.

Purchases from Traditional Suppliers Slow Down

Despite the overall drop in volume, Russia maintained its position as Egypt's largest grain supplier. In the first ten months, Egypt imported 5.72 million tons of wheat from Russia, meeting 56.2% of its total needs from the country. Purchases from Ukraine fell by 18% to 2.73 million tons during the same period. Shipments from other traditional sellers, France, decreased by 23.9% to 298 thousand tons, and exports from the U.S. dropped by 36.6% to 71 thousand tons.

Eastern European and Baltic Countries Emerge as Key Suppliers

Contrary to the general decline in shipments, notable increases were recorded in wheat purchases originating from Eastern Europe and North America. During the January-October period, imports from Romania rose by 48.8% to 742.9 thousand tons, and purchases from Bulgaria increased by 19.7% to 246.9 thousand tons. Imports from Canada climbed by 39% to reach 157.2 thousand tons. Furthermore, sources were diversified with the supply of 93.1 thousand tons of wheat from Lithuania and 66 thousand tons from Latvia, countries that did not supply wheat last year.

Global Price Pressure Strains Domestic Market

Wheat prices, which surged from $270 to $320 per ton on international markets before settling at $305, have pushed up flour costs in the Egyptian domestic market. Since August, the price of flour per ton has increased by approximately 3,000 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to $55. Egypt, with an annual wheat consumption of 20.3 million tons, continues to meet 62% of its needs from external markets by importing 12.5 million tons in the 2025/26 period.

Türkçe