Browse Data and Analysis

Egypt imported some $3.8 billion worth of consumer-oriented products in 2021. This is a decrease of 8.67 percent from 2020 imports of $4.1 billion. The United States was the third largest exporter to Egypt with approximately $243 million in exports accounting for roughly 6 percent market share. This is an increase of about 19 percent from 2020 export value of $204 million.

Israel is a net importer of all major categories of food products. The United States is the top leading supplier of imported consumer-oriented agricultural products to Israel with a total of $384 million in 2020. The Israel food retail sector was estimated at $12.8 billion in 2021.

Over the past several years, Saudi Arabia published quite a few new regulations and standards, some of which were notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Unfortunately, many of these standards were notified and immediately implemented, missing the opportunity to engage with international stakeholders and making it difficult for U.S. exporters to adjust.

The major export certificates required by Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and import control agencies are included in this Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) - Certificates Report. These certificates are required for the importation of food and agricultural products into the Kingdom. Information in this report supplements the FAIRS Annual Country Report.

On June 30, Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) purchased 815,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat in a tender from four countries – France, Romania, Russia, and Bulgaria.

Libya poses unique opportunities and challenges for U.S. agricultural exports. The nation is characterized by an unstable government, conflict, opaque regulations, an underperforming agricultural sector, and about $1.5 billion worth of agricultural imports from around the world every year.

On May 17, the Government of Iraq (GOI) announced higher purchase prices for locally-produced wheat in an effort to incentivize farmers to market their crop to the Ministry of Trade. On June 8, the GOI also passed a food security bill that allows the government to use public funds to meet urgent food needs, including issuing tenders to import wheat.

The Algerian Minister of Agriculture forecasts Algerian grain production to reach 3 to 3.2 million metric tons (MMT) in MY2022/23. This is an increase from last marketing year and supports the Algerian policy to increase domestic production.

Morocco is a price-sensitive market that does not showcase significant quantities of U.S. food and beverages in the retail sector. In 2021, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to Morocco doubled, reaching $166 million. Post has identified limited volumes of U.S. seafood, chocolates, sauces, and spirits available on select Moroccan retail shelves.

The Fork and the Road program is designed to introduce and educate consumers in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman (known as the GCC 4) about the variety and diversity of regional American foods and food culture.

UAE’s overall economic recovery will boost consumption and imports of grain and feed in MY 2022/23. The Ukraine conflict and other factors contributing to high commodity prices and food security may put downward pressure on UAE consumption in MY 2021/22.

Morocco is facing low wheat production in marketing year 2022/23 due to drought. The Ministry of Agriculture forecasts total wheat and barley production at 3.2 million metric tons, about 62 percent down from the previous year’s crop (10.2 million metric tons).