Egypt Shifts Corn Imports Amid Ukraine Blockade and Rising Demand
Egypt is increasing its corn imports from South America and reducing supplies from Ukraine due to a blockade of sea exports. According to the US Food and Agriculture Organization, Egypt will import at least 13 million tons of corn in the current and next seasons, significantly exceeding previous highs due to increased demand from poultry farmers.
The country's domestic corn consumption is expected to rise to 16.4 million tons in the 2025/26 season and 17.4 million tons in the 2026/27 season, a 4-million-ton increase from the average of 2020-2024.
With imports from Ukraine disrupted, Egyptian importers are ramping up purchases from Brazil, the US, and Argentina. Brazilian corn exports have slowed due to increased export prices, but Argentine corn could regain its position in the Egyptian market after a decline in supplies over the past four seasons.