Egypt’s sweet potato exports surge amid growing demand in Europe

CAIRO, August 12, 2025 — Egypt’s sweet potato sector is experiencing robust growth, with exports reaching record levels as global demand, particularly from European Union [EU] and United Kingdom [UK] markets, continues to rise. According to a new report by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service [FAS] in Cairo, sweet potato exports from Egypt generated US$ 181.8 million in 2024, with volumes and value surging significantly across key international markets.

The increase in exports is largely attributed to favourable climatic conditions, competitive production costs, and geographical proximity to Europe, giving Egypt a strategic edge over other global suppliers.

Expansion in production and varieties

Sweet potato cultivation in Egypt has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by strong export incentives. Since 2021, the planted area has grown by 33.3 percent, while production has risen by 16.8%, reaching an estimated 440,000 metric tonnes. This growth has been supported by investments in new high-yielding varieties such as Beauregard, Evangeline, and Bellevue—orange-fleshed types that are particularly favoured in EU markets like the Netherlands for their flavour, colour, and nutritional value.

Production is centred in the fertile Nile Delta and Middle Egypt, where both conventional and organic sweetpotatoes are cultivated.

Domestic demand remains strong

While exports dominate the sector, sweet potatoes are also widely consumed in Egypt, accounting for 40–45 percent of total production. Favoured for their affordability and health benefits, sweet potatoes are commonly baked and sold on the streets during winter, or incorporated into traditional meals and desserts.

An emerging health-conscious population is expected to sustain domestic consumption growth in the coming years.

EU and UK Lead import demand

Egypt’s biggest export markets remain the EU and the UK. The country has seen significant gains in these regions, aided by supply gaps in Spain caused by drought, as well as decreasing overlap with U.S. export seasons. Egypt’s peak export window [August to January] strategically complements periods of lower supply from American producers.

Exports to the EU jumped from 35,224 metric tonnes in 2020 to 149,551 tonnes in 2024, with value increasing from US$ 28 million to US$ 113 million in the same period. In the UK, volumes rose from 28,522 metric tonnes in 2020 to 49,879 tonnes in 2024, while the value nearly doubled from US$ 197 million to US$ 331 million.

The UK’s mature food processing sector and growing appetite for healthier food alternatives have made it a prime destination for Egyptian sweetpotatoes, which are increasingly replacing traditional potatoes in some households.

Government support and policy framework

Egyptian sweet potato exports are supported through structured contracts between exporters and farmers, ensuring that cultivation adheres to EU and UK standards. Exporters supply seeds, monitor farming practices, and ensure that crops meet required pesticide and residue levels.

All export-bound produce must pass inspection by Egypt’s Central Lab for Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals [QCA], and receive certification from the Central Administration for Plant Quarantine [CAPQ] and the National Food Safety Authority [NFSA].

Despite this, government financial support for fresh produce exporters has been scaled back. In the 2024/25 budget, support from the Export Development Fund was reduced from 10% to 3% of the value of fresh produce exports. However, a draft budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year—currently before Parliament—proposes a significant increase, with a projected $878 million allocation for export support.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Egypt’s sweet potato sector is well-positioned to maintain growth momentum. Ongoing investments in modern cultivation techniques, packaging innovations, and market diversification are expected to strengthen the country’s presence in global markets. As awareness of the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes grows among European consumers, Egypt stands to play an increasingly central role in meeting year-round demand.

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