Browse Data and Analysis

In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, FAS Cairo forecasts fresh orange exports to reach 1.7 million metric tons (MMT) up from 1.3 MMT in MY 2021/22.Post attributes the increase in exports to higher production amid favorable climate conditions.

This report is an update to GAIN report number EG2022-0022. The report includes English translation of the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) Decision of Board of Directors No. 6/2022 concerning the binding technical basis for maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chemical contaminants in food.

In 2022, the Egyptian government announced that feed costs increased by 40 to 45 percent. Beef prices also increased by 15 to 20 percent, discouraging per capita consumption. Prices are expected to continue increasing in response to the ongoing devaluation of the Egyptian pound and complex import procedures. Imports of Indian water buffalo increased to reach 150 thousand MT, while Brazilian beef imports are still limited.

Egypt requires a biosafety legal framework. Without one, the country cannot move forward in the area of agricultural biotechnology. The absence of a legal framework impedes field trials, as well as the commercial use of genetically engineered (GE) crops.

In 2022, industries report a 35 to 40 percent increase in cultivation costs to reach almost $28,000 per hectare. The increase in costs is due to the challenges of US dollar liquidity and high inflation. In MY 2022/2021, production is expected to reach 1.48 MMT and exports are forecasted at 180,000 MT. In 2022, Egypt added Sri-Lanka and Cameron to the list of importing countries.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has adversely impacted the global economy, and Egypt too has felt the wave of effects. Russia’s war on Ukraine has relentlessly disrupted international trade of grains and soybeans as well as other commodities pounding a global economy that had since been improving robustly from the COVID-19 pandemic.

FAS Cairo (Post) forecasts Egypt’s wheat imports in marketing year (MY) 2022/23 (July – June) at 11.0 MMT, down from the previous marketing year estimate of 11.5 MMT. Egypt was able to secure a steady supply of wheat through diversification of wheat origins whether through tenders or implementing direct purchasing of wheat from several countries.

This report is an update to GAIN report number EG2022-0022. Attaching the English translation of the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) Decision of Board of Directors No. 6/2022 concerning the binding technical basis for maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chemical contaminants in food.

In June 2022, Egypt launched a trial phase of the Advanced Clearance Information system (ACI) on airfreight. The government is expected to fully apply the electronic ACI system in October 2022. This comes after the October 1, 2021, launch of the ACI in sea ports. Traders must register within the designated platforms (CargoX for exporters and ACI for importers).

In June 2022, Egypt launched a trial phase of the Advanced Clearance Information system (ACI) on airfreight. The government is expected to fully apply the electronic ACI system in October 2022. This comes after the October 1, 2021, launch of the ACI in sea ports. Traders must register within the designated platforms (CargoX for exporters and ACI for importers).

On July 2, 2022, Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI) signed Decree No. 393/2022. 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. The decree is valid for one year and expires June 30, 2023 (see APPENDIX I – Unofficial English Translation).

In October 1, 2021, Egypt launched a new pre-clearance system to facilitate trade and improve custom clearance and release time, the Advanced Cargo Information system (ACI) require all shipping documents be received electronically at least 48 hours prior to the arrival of the shipment.