Egypt: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in Egypt

The Egyptian sweet potato market skyrocketed to $X in 2021, rising by 23% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -6.5% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Sweet Potato Production in Egypt

In value terms, sweet potato production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 104%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

In 2021, the average sweet potato yield in Egypt contracted to X tons per ha, falling by -13.1% against the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 5.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average sweet potato yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2020, and then dropped in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of sweet potatoes were harvested in Egypt; growing by 31% compared with 2020. Over the period under review, the total harvested area indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2021: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sweet potato production reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from Egypt

For the sixth year in a row, Egypt recorded growth in overseas shipments of sweet potatoes, which increased by 14% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports showed significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 270% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sweet potato exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 112% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), the UK (X tons) and Saudi Arabia (X tons) were the main destinations of sweet potato exports from Egypt, together comprising 73% of total exports. These countries were followed by the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, Italy, Lebanon and Russia, which together accounted for a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Italy (with a CAGR of +126.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for sweet potato exported from Egypt were the Netherlands ($X), the UK ($X) and Saudi Arabia ($X), with a combined 68% share of total exports. The United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, Italy, Russia and Lebanon lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 18%.

Italy, with a CAGR of +118.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sweet potato export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 8.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a mild slump. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the average export price increased by 70% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Lebanon ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Russia (+7.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into Egypt

In 2021, imports of sweet potatoes into Egypt reduced sharply to X tons, waning by -59.3% against 2020. Over the period under review, imports showed a slight slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 2,986,475% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons, and then plummeted in the following year.

In value terms, sweet potato imports fell dramatically to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, posted a strong increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 2,005,800% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Jordan (X tons) was the main supplier of sweet potato to Egypt, with a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Jordan stood at -1.5%.

In value terms, Jordan ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to Egypt.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Jordan amounted to +5.8%.

Import Prices by Country

The average sweet potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 42% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the average import price increased by 264%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Jordan.

From 2013 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Jordan amounted to +7.5% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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