Egyptian Frozen Strawberry Exports are Increasing their Global Market Presence

Egypt's frozen strawberry exports to the European Union (EU) have experienced remarkable growth. Over the past five years, the country has doubled its exports to EU member countries. In the first seven months of 2023 alone, Egypt reached an all-time high in frozen strawberry exports to the EU market. Notably, Egypt's exports to the EU have shown consistent growth, with only minor dips in May and June, while other months exceeded the previous year's figures.

In 2022, Egypt accounted for nearly two-thirds of the EU's total imports of frozen strawberries from non-EU countries. The EU is the world's largest market for frozen garden strawberries, with imports totaling 207 thousand metric tons (mt) in 2022. However, in the first seven months of 2023, total EU imports decreased to a three-year low, reaching 135 thousand mt.

Egypt's share of EU imports remains dominant, and Morocco, the other key player in this market, is experiencing a decline in its share. In the first seven months of 2023, Egypt exported over 95 thousand mt of frozen strawberries to EU countries, over three times more than Morocco's 31 thousand mt supply. While Morocco's exports typically decline in July, Egypt's active supply continues until October to November.

Source: TDS

Morocco, once the leading exporter of frozen strawberries to the EU, has steadily ceded its position to Egypt since 2018. Other non-EU countries also saw reduced access to the EU market in the same period.

A few notable trends for the Jan-23-Jul-23 period :

• Turkey's frozen strawberry exports to the EU dropped by 20% to 8,000 mt.
•  China experienced a drastic 91% decrease in exports to just 820 mt.
• Peru exported only 100 mt of frozen strawberries to the EU in 2022.
• Serbia and Ukraine managed to increase their exports to the EU but at lower volumes compared to Egypt.

Egypt is also making significant strides in the United States (US) frozen strawberry market. In 2022, Egypt became the fourth-largest exporter of frozen strawberries to the US. However, in the first seven months of 2023, export volume increased by 17% YoY, catapulting Egypt to the third position among suppliers to the US market.

While Mexico remains the leading exporter of frozen strawberries to the US, Egypt's growing presence suggests that Mexico's share may be diminishing. Imports of Mexican frozen strawberries in this period reached their lowest level in at least five years. The trend of Mexico losing its share in the US market has intensified in 2023.

Egypt's increasing influence in both the EU and US frozen strawberry markets signifies its growing prominence as a global supplier. This expansion not only bolsters Egypt's economy but also reshapes the dynamics of the frozen strawberry industry on a global scale.

Egypt's frozen strawberry industry is making waves on the global stage, with a doubling of exports to the EU over five years and a growing presence in the US market. This growth positions Egypt as a key player in the frozen strawberry industry. As it continues to expand its global market presence, Egypt's impact on trade dynamics becomes increasingly evident, marking an exciting chapter in the industry's evolution.