Browse Data and Analysis

Despite recent economic headwinds, Egypt’s food ingredient market is experiencing modest growth driven by increasing demand for processed and packaged foods.

The UK’s recent trade announcements with the United States (U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal), the European Union (UK-EU Summit), and India (UK-India Free Trade Agreement) are all expected to affect imports/exports for agricultural products between the UK and partner countries.

The United Kingdom (UK) is forecast to have a significant increase in grain crop production in Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26. This is largely driven by a partial recovery in wheat production following a particularly low level of production in MY 2024/25.

The 2024 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook provides a statistical summary of U.S. agricultural commodity exports to the world during the 2024 calendar year.

FAS Cairo (Post) forecasts Egyptian sugar production in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (October-September) to rise to 3.18 million metric tons (MMT). This increase is driven by industrial demand and higher prices for sugar beets, incentivizing many farmers to plant more beets.

In the United Kingdom (UK) regulatory changes affecting high-sugar soft drinks and food and drink products high in fat, sugar, and salt food (HFSS) come into effect in April and October 2025.

FAS/Cairo (Post) forecasts Egypt’s soybean imports in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 (October – September) to increase by 5.0 percent from the previous marketing driven by a flexible exchange rate, the availability of forex and a more positive outlook for the livestock sectors.

The UK government is committed to signing a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the EU to ease post-Brexit trading frictions, but depending on the type of deal agreed, it may impact the UK’s ability to negotiate future Free Trade Agreements.

Marketing Year (MY) 2025/26 is forecast to see record low plantings of rapeseed oilseeds (rapeseed) in the United Kingdom (UK), down below 250 thousand hectares, with production falling below 750 thousand metric tons.

While small local grocers dominate the Egyptian retail market, representing more than 50 percent of sales by value, convenience and price will continue to drive the majority of Egyptian consumer buying decisions, presenting growth opportunities across all retail channels.

Post forecasts Egypt’s MY 2025/26 cotton production at 320,000 bales, down 25 percent from the previous season due to a significant decrease in area harvested.

The United Kingdom's (UK) food manufacturing sector faces a challenging landscape, with cost increases projected to reach 2.9 percent in 2025. In response, manufacturers are strategically focusing on new product development to capture market share and cater to evolving consumer demands for healthier choices.