EGYPT – Egypt’s food exports to Libya reached US$183 million in the first seven months of 2024, translating to an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to data released by the Egyptian Food Export Council.
Libya continues to serve as a key market for Egypt’s processed food sector.
In 2023, total exports to the neighboring country grew by 8% compared to 2022, reaching US$291 million.
These exports accounted for 5.3% of Egypt’s total food exports that year.
Egyptian manufacturers are looking to establish locally made products as alternatives to European imports, which have historically dominated Libya’s market.
Several major multinational fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, such as Mars and Kraft Heinz, have recently invested in Egypt, suggesting increased confidence in the potential for Egyptian products to meet both domestic and foreign demand, particularly in markets like Libya.
The overland trade route between Egypt and Libya via the Amsaad-Sallum crossing has been generally straightforward, though not without complications.
In August 2023, Egypt announced plans to set up a “logistics area” at the Sallum border crossing to ease trade.
In December of the same year, Libya proposed opening a separate commercial crossing to improve the flow of goods, distinct from the one used by travelers moving between the two nations.
However, tensions surfaced in April 2024 when Egypt unilaterally increased entry fees for Libyan nationals to US$200.
In response, Libya imposed additional fees for vehicles, trucks, and border visas.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE
