Egypt Secures Record Wheat Purchases Amid Domestic Production Surge
Egypt's government has concluded its wheat procurement season, purchasing around five million tons of the crop, the highest level recorded by the state system. Morocco and Iraq followed closely behind with similar quantities, while Algeria, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia trailed behind with significantly lower totals. The country is expected to see a seven percent increase in wheat production in 2026 due to expanded cultivated areas.
The area of land dedicated to wheat cultivation rose to 3.76 million feddans, an increase of up to 600,000 feddans from the previous season. The government set the procurement price at EGP 2,500 per ardab in order to encourage farmers to sell their crops.
Egypt's domestic production is projected to exceed 10 million tons in 2026, a six percent increase from 2025 levels. This rise has led to a decline in wheat imports, which fell to 12.5 million tons last year compared to 13.2 million tons in 2025.
The government's local procurement programme aims to secure part of the country's needs and reduce exposure to fluctuations in global wheat prices and supply disruptions.