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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in commodity prices globally, Egypt succeeded in maintaining inflation rates within the Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE’s) target range of 7 percent (±2 percent) in 2021, at a time when many countries of the world are witnessing a wave of high inflation.

Egyptian aquaculture has witnessed a spectacular and rapid development over the past seven years. This increase is such that the country is now number one in Africa, number six worldwide in aquaculture production, and number three in tilapia production globally, becoming an important contributor to Egypt’s food security and economy.

On January 24 and 25, Cairo witnessed an important forum on climate change between Egypt and the United States within the framework of Egypt serving as the official host of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) taking place in November 2022 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

In October 1, 2021, Egypt launched the Advanced Clearance Information system (ACI). The newly developed customs system was initially launched in a trial mode on April 1, 2021 and was officially launched in October.

In October 1, 2021, Egypt launched the Advanced Clearance Information system (ACI). Traders must register within the designated platforms (CargoX for exporters and ACI for importers). The ID number developed through the upload of the shipment’s documents on the platform called ACID and is required on all shipment documents.

FAS Cairo anticipates Egypt to maintain its position as the number one orange exporter in MY 2021/22 despite production challenges.

In order to move forward in the area of agriculture biotechnology, Egypt needs a biosafety legal framework. The absence of a legal framework inhibits field trials, as well as the commercial use of genetically engineered (GE) crops.

Post revises 2020/2021 production forecast down. Egypt experienced a difficult table grapes season due to unexpected weather conditions.

FAS Cairo (Post) forecasts Egypt’s wheat imports in marketing year (MY) 2021/22 (July – June) at 12.4 MMT, up from the previous marketing year estimate due to higher consumption driven by population growth.

The National Food Safety Authority continues to develop standards and procedures regulating food safety in Egypt. On June 2, 2021, the National Food Safety Authority Board of Directors approved mandatory technical regulations on the permissible residue levels of pesticides for food of plant and animal origin.

Egypt maintains herd size with slight increases at 10 million head. Egypt continues to put polices in place to increase the animal production, however, the government hasn’t met their target yet, mostly due to instable input costs.

On July 15, 2021, Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI) signed Decree No. 322/2021. The decree renewed an earlier decision that extended the shelf-life validity period for imported frozen fish from six to nine months and of frozen beef liver from seven to ten months.