By the EGY Herb Export team. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: Egypt exports more than 8.6 million tons of agricultural products a year (a record in 2024, according to the Ministry of Agriculture), and the biggest crops by volume are citrus and potatoes. Herbs and spices are a much smaller share by weight, but they are a growing, higher-value category, and they are what we export.
How big are Egypt's agricultural exports?
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Egypt exported a record 8.6 million tons of agricultural products in 2024 to about 160 countries. Egypt exports hundreds of agricultural commodities, and the sector is one of the country's main sources of foreign currency. For a buyer, that scale means established packing houses, export paperwork and shipping lines to Europe and the Gulf.Which crops does Egypt export the most?
| Crop | What the figures show |
|---|---|
| Citrus | The largest export by volume. About 2.28 million tons were exported in the first ten months of 2024, mostly oranges |
| Potatoes | Second, at roughly 976,000 tons over the same ten months |
| Onions, grapes, garlic | Large export crops with steady demand in Europe, Russia and the Gulf |
| Herbs and spices | Smaller by weight, higher in value per kilogram. Chamomile, hibiscus, mint, basil, cumin and fennel lead |
Why are Egypt's agricultural exports growing?
- Land reclamation. The government's Future of Egypt project is reclaiming desert land for farming, which adds production as it comes on stream.
- Post-harvest investment. Private companies have invested in packing houses, refrigerated logistics and drying capacity, which reduces losses and extends shelf life.
- Trade agreements. Egypt has preferential agreements with the European Union and other partners, which can lower duty for Egyptian produce. Check your own country's terms with a customs broker.
