Browse Data and Analysis

FAS/Cairo (Post) forecasts Egypt’s soybean imports in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (October – September) to increase by 5.0 percent from the previous marketing driven by a flexible exchange rate, the availability of forex and a more positive outlook for the livestock sectors.

While small local grocers dominate the Egyptian retail market, representing more than 50 percent of sales by value, convenience and price will continue to drive the majority of Egyptian consumer buying decisions, presenting growth opportunities across all retail channels.

Post forecasts Egypt’s MY 2025/26 cotton production at 320,000 bales, down 25 percent from the previous season due to a significant decrease in area harvested.

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.