Egypt Set to Remain Arab World's Top Wheat Producer in 2026

Egypt's wheat production is on the rise, with an expected increase of seven percent above its average level in 2026. The country's government has set a target of purchasing five million tons from farmers, and deliveries have already reached approximately five million tons by August 11, or 94 percent of the target.

The expansion in cultivated areas is attributed to the adoption of high-yielding, climate-resilient wheat varieties, such as Misr 3, Misr 4, Giza 171, and Sakha 95. The government has also increased the procurement price to EGP 2,500 per ardab under directives from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to encourage farmers.

Egypt remains a major wheat importer despite rising domestic production, with imports falling to 12.5 million tons in 2026 from 13.2 million tons in 2025. The government's local procurement programme aims to secure part of the country's needs, build strategic reserves, and reduce exposure to fluctuations in global wheat prices and supply disruptions.