Egypt may tighten imported wheat quality requirements after problems with Bulgarian grain

Egypt may introduce new quality requirements for imported milling wheat, setting a minimum flour strength of W160 for government purchases. This was reported by Hesham Soliman, CEO of Mediterranean Star For Trading Company Ltd. However, the new requirements have not yet been officially confirmed.

According to Soliman, tighter grain quality controls are linked to problems with Bulgarian wheat shipments to Egypt. About three months ago, importers received a wheat cargo with a flour strength below W160. In addition, approximately ten days ago, Egyptian company Mostakbal Misr rejected a purchase of 32 thsd tons of Bulgarian wheat that was already loaded aboard a vessel due to quality concerns.

The W value measures flour strength and its ability to provide the necessary dough properties during mixing and fermentation. According to Soliman, Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian and French wheat generally meet the W160 requirement. Therefore, the potential introduction of new standards could affect the competitive positions of individual suppliers in the Egyptian market.

Meanwhile, the potential tightening of imported wheat quality requirements comes amid challenging logistics conditions in the Black Sea region and declining wheat stocks in Egypt. Additional quality restrictions could narrow the range of available offers and complicate the assembly of import shipments, particularly amid disruptions to maritime transportation.

According to market participants, Mostakbal Misr or other Egyptian importers may announce new wheat purchases in the near future to replenish stocks ahead of Ramadan, which begins in February 2027. Further developments will depend on the official approval of grain quality requirements, supply availability and maritime logistics costs.

Tags: Egypt, grain, wheat, imports