Poultry deaths slow corn demand in Egypt

The corn market in Egypt has slowed due to a sharp decline in demand from the feed industry. According to traders, poultry producers are facing high bird mortality, significantly reducing the need for feed. The situation is further complicated by the sharp weakening of the Egyptian pound, which has depreciated by about 15–20% in recent days.

Market participants report that a wave of chicken deaths, linked to cold weather and possible diseases, has significantly reduced demand for feed products. Some importers estimate poultry mortality at around 40%, while in certain small farms it may reach 60–70%. As a result, feed mills are purchasing only limited volumes of corn on the domestic market.

Traders also note that seasonal factors and high chicken prices toward the end of Ramadan are adding further pressure. Meanwhile, the currency devaluation has sharply increased domestic corn prices, which have risen from about 11,700 to 15,000 Egyptian pounds per tonne.

Additional pressure on the market is coming from expected supply increases. Large volumes of corn from South America, particularly from Brazil, are expected to arrive at Egyptian ports in the coming days, potentially creating a temporary oversupply.

Despite the difficult situation, some market participants believe corn imports may recover. The depreciation of the Egyptian pound has changed market price dynamics, making grain purchases profitable even amid high global prices. At the same time, corn offers from Ukraine have nearly disappeared since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, while Argentine corn is currently offered at around $206 per tonne FOB.

Tags: imports, compound feed, Egypt, corn, prices