Egypt increases sugar industry byproduct exports by 54%

Egypt increased its export revenue from sugar industry byproducts by 54% in 2025, reaching $176 mln compared with $114 mln a year earlier. According to Egypt’s Food Export Council, the country exported around 889 thsd tons of beet pulp, bagasse and other sugar production byproducts. As a result, Egypt ranked second globally among exporters of these products, accounting for approximately 20% of world trade in this category.

Egypt’s sugar industry byproduct exports have shown steady growth in recent years. In 2024, the country also ranked second globally, holding around 18% of the international market. Between 2020 and 2025, exports increased at a compound annual growth rate of 17% in value and 11% in volume. The expansion of shipments highlights the growing importance of sugar production byproducts in the country’s agricultural exports.

China was the largest buyer of Egyptian products, importing $46 mln worth and accounting for 26% of total export revenue. Spain ranked second with purchases of $24 mln, followed by Ireland at $21 mln, South Korea at $16 mln and Italy at $13 mln. Together, these five countries accounted for approximately $120 mln, or 68% of total export value. Asian and European countries therefore remain Egypt’s main export markets.

Export growth comes amid an expansion in domestic sugar beet processing. In 2025, sugar beet deliveries to Egyptian sugar mills increased by 50% to 18 mln tons. Higher processing volumes contribute to increased output of byproducts, particularly beet pulp, which is used in animal feed production. Meanwhile, exports of refined cane and beet sugar were valued at approximately $290 mln in 2025, placing Egypt 14th globally.

Egypt’s Food Export Council notes that market diversification and stable demand from Asian and European buyers create opportunities for further export growth. Increased processing of sugar crops also enables the country to expand shipments of value-added byproducts and strengthen its position in the international feed ingredients market.

Tags: Egypt, sugar, sugarcane