Egypt reduced purchases of Ukrainian wheat by 18%

At the same time, Lithuania and Latvia entered the Egyptian market for the first time, but their volumes remain negligible.

Egypt imported 2.73 million tons of Ukrainian wheat in January-October 2026, compared to 3.32 million for the same period last year. Supplies decreased by 587.9 thousand tons, or 17.7%, writes Al Manassa.

In total, over ten months, the country purchased 10.18 million tons of wheat – 6.2% less than a year earlier. In October, the drop was sharper: 1.15 million tons compared to almost 2 million last year, or almost 42%. The share of Russian wheat fell from 6.1 million to 5.72 million tons, accounting for 56.2% of Egyptian imports.

The reduction is associated with rising world prices, the strengthening of the dollar, and disruptions in logistics in the Black Sea region. According to Hisham Suleiman, director of Mediterranean Star for Trading and Grain Imports, prices have risen from $270 per ton in the middle of the year to $320, although they have fallen to $305 in recent days.

At the same time, some importers fear that the easing of tensions in the Black Sea will quickly collapse quotes, leaving them with expensive stocks. Since the beginning of August, flour in Egypt has risen in price by about 3,000 Egyptian pounds ($55) per ton.

In the meantime, the country is looking for alternatives. Imports from Romania increased by 48.8%, to 742.9 thousand tons, from Bulgaria – by 19.7%, to 246.9 thousand, and from Canada – by 39%, to 157.2 thousand tons. Lithuania and Latvia entered the Egyptian market for the first time, shipping 93.1 thousand and 66 thousand tons, respectively. Instead, they purchased 23.9% less French wheat (297.8 thousand tons), and 36.6% less American wheat (71 thousand).

However, the reorientation is still rather symbolic. Ukraine and Russia together provide 83% of Egyptian imports – about the same as in the first half of the year. Lithuania and Latvia together provide about 1.5% of the volume.

In September, Egyptian imports collapsed by 77%, to 362.5 thousand tons, and the buyer GASC did not receive a single batch. Thus, on October 21, the Future of Egypt agency purchased about five batches – presumably French and Romanian wheat. Minister of Supply Sherif Farouk had previously stated his course towards European suppliers.

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture, in the 2025/26 fiscal year, the country imported about 12.5 million tons of wheat, covering about 62% of domestic consumption. The annual need is 20.3 million tons.

 As USM reported the day before, due to the blockade of ports, grain stocks in Ukraine will increase to a record 36 million tons.