Egypt expects near-record wheat harvest and reduced imports

Egypt is forecasting a reduction in wheat imports in the 2026/27 season due to increased domestic production. According to the FAS USDA, the wheat harvest could grow by 6% year-on-year and reach 9.8 million tons, one of the highest in the country’s history.

Against the backdrop of increased production, wheat imports are forecast at 12.5 million tons, which is 200 thousand tons less than in the previous season. The Egyptian authorities are actively stimulating the increase in their own grain production, considering it an important element of ensuring food security.

The increase in the harvest is primarily associated with the expansion of the area sown under wheat to a record 1.5 million hectares. Farmers were encouraged to increase their crops by increased state purchase prices, which made growing the crop more profitable.

At the same time, the main suppliers of imported wheat to Egypt remain Ukraine and the Russian Federation, which offer competitive prices, lower transportation costs and faster deliveries to Egyptian ports compared to other exporters.

The role of the private sector in grain imports and processing is also growing in the country. According to the Foreign Agricultural Service, in the 2026/27 marketing year, Egypt can export about 1.2 million tons of wheat flour (in grain terms), which is 20% more than a year earlier, strengthening its position as an important supplier of flour to African and Middle Eastern countries.

Tags: Egypt, wheat, crop forecast