Abstract:

Egypt's horticultural crops represent a promising sector for agricultural exports, owing to the nation's rich crop diversity and capacity for intensive cultivation across three seasons. The study endeavors to capitalize on this potential by identifying export opportunities within the sector. It assesses production levels suitable for export and estimates the apparent consumption of exportable varieties, thereby calculating the exportable surplus. Notably, vegetables and oranges, along with winter onions, emerge as key export contenders, collectively contributing approximately 13.71% to Egypt's total agricultural export value over the period from 2018 to 2022.
The study highlights significant production increases in key crops over the analyzed timeframe. Potato production, for instance, surged from approximately 978 thousand tons in 2007 to about 4349 thousand tons in 2022, displaying a consistent upward trajectory. The annual increase in potato production averaged around 192.5 thousand tons, representing a substantial growth rate of 7.7%. Similarly, onion production witnessed a notable rise from roughly 1067 thousand tons in 2007 to approximately 3438 thousand tons in 2022, with an average production estimated at about 2250 thousand tons throughout the study period. Furthermore, orange production exhibited an upward trend, escalating from around 2055 thousand tons in 2007 to about 3161 thousand tons in 2022.
These findings underscore the significant potential of Egypt's horticultural sector to contribute to the country's agricultural trade balance. By leveraging the increasing production levels of key crops, Egypt aims to bolster its agricultural exports, thereby harnessing the high export value and potentially mitigating trade deficits.