The market in brief
- USDA's Cairo office estimates wheat imports of 12.0 million metric tons for marketing year 2026/27.
- Private companies accounted for 63 percent of wheat imports in 2024/25, and for 60.3 percent from July 2025 to January 2026.
- Russia was the largest supplier in that period, with 5.28 of the 8.8 million tons imported.
Who buys
Wheat for subsidised bread is bought through a state body, Mostakbal Misr, which took over this role from GASC. We work only with private companies.
Private importers and mills serve non-subsidised bread, bakeries, pastry and biscuit makers, and flour exports to the region. USDA links the growth of private imports to this flour production.
Why the Black Sea route
USDA notes that Egypt relies heavily on Russian and Ukrainian wheat because of competitive prices, lower freight costs and faster shipping. From Russian Black Sea ports, the indicative route runs through the Turkish Straits into the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ports
Egypt's port silos include Alexandria, Dekheila, Damietta and Safaga, and a wheat terminal opened at West Port Said in 2025. The destination port affects vessel size, discharge and cost, so it is named in the contract.
What to settle before shipment
- Import permit and phytosanitary certificate: confirm the current requirements with your agent.
- Ergot and other quality limits: rules have changed in the past, so the contract should follow the rule in force at shipment.
- Inspection: agree the inspection company and where samples are taken.
- Payment: an irrevocable confirmed documentary letter of credit, with the banks checked by both sides in advance.
This page is general information and not legal or customs advice. Figures come from the sources below and can change.
