Ban on Egyptian produce has had limited effect on overall agricultural exports

Egypt managed to mitigate the effects of the ban that some countries imposed on certain Egyptian crops by breaking into new markets, Agriculture Export Council Chairman Ali Issa tells Al Shorouk. While the blanket bans enforced by countries including Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, held back some 100k tonnes of crops meant for export, Egypt still managed to ship out around 1.7 mn tonnes of produce, mostly citrus fruits. New crops are also being sold to China for the first time, Issa said. The Agriculture Ministry had announced last month that Vietnam was now open to Egyptian citrus exports, citing tighter quality control measures as the reason behind improved trade activity. We have been hearing rumors as well that Sudan is close to lifting its ban on Egyptian produce and that talks are ongoing with Saudi Arabia to resume shipments of strawberries and peppers.