In the last five years, Egypt has increased the export of vegetables and fruits to Poland to nearly double the current levels, according to the EastFruit. Egypt managed to climb up the supplier ranking list for these commodities in the Polish market to the ninth position by the end of 2023 from the fourteenth position in 2019 and the sixteenth position in 2020.
Egypt’s Rise in Polish Market Rankings
Egypt’s rise to the ninth position among the most important suppliers of fruit and vegetables to Poland proves that the country has been developing the necessary capacities for agricultural exports. This rise has seen the country strategically position itself to increase its market share in Europe, particularly Poland.
Poland’s Fruit and Vegetable Import Landscape
Poland continues to be a significant net importer of vegetables and fruits despite having a relatively high export value for specific products such as apples and frozen raspberries. Poland’s fruit and vegetable imports fluctuated between 2 in 2019 and 2023.The above data shows that Poland’s fruit and vegetable imports were as follows. 9 to 3 million tons with their monetary value increasing from $3. 2 billion to $4. 3 billion. Conventionally, Poland imports vegetables and fruits from the southern EU countries (Spain, Italy, Greece), South American countries (Ecuador, Colombia), European re-exporters (Netherlands, Germany), and Turkey.
Key Drivers of Egypt’s Export Growth
Egypt’s export surge to Poland over the past five years has been primarily fueled by two product categories: frozen strawberries and oranges.
- Frozen Strawberries: Egypt remains the leading supplier in the field of frozen strawberries for the Polish market, as in 2023, it supplied 77% of the total imported volume.
- Oranges: Egyptian orange exports have increased almost twofold from 120 tons to nearly 3,000 tons.
- Mandarins: A fast rate of increase in the sales volume of mandarins is evident.
- Sweet Potatoes: Exports rose from 500 tons to 2,800 tons.
Egypt’s Position in Various Product Categories
Besides, Egypt is the second largest supplier of garlic and holds the largest market share in frozen strawberries. Egypt ranks fourth in the production of oranges, fourth in the production of red onions and fifth in the production of potatoes. This diversified product range also indicates the flexibility of Egypt in addressing different needs in the Polish market.
Financial Impact of Egyptian Exports on Poland
Overall, Poland’s spending on vegetables and fruits imported from Egypt was $85 million in 2023, which was a remarkable rise from $36.1 million in 2018. This financial growth has further enhanced the trade relation between the two countries.
Comparative Analysis with Other Suppliers
In contrast, imports from Spain – the largest supplier to Poland – were valued at over $850 million, although the tonnage decreased yearly. This comparison emphasizes the fact that Egypt has achieved an impressive growth rate and there is still room for market expansion.
The strategic actions aimed at increasing the export of agricultural products have clearly yielded positive results for Egypt in terms of rankings in the Polish market. Egypt has the potential to deepen its foothold in Poland and other markets if it maintains its efforts and investment in the country.
