Egypt’s wheat imports from Russia surge 38% in 2025 amid rising global prices

EGYPT – Egypt, the world’s largest wheat importer, has significantly increased its wheat imports from Russia, purchasing 1.26 million metric tons since the beginning of 2025, a 38% rise compared to the same period last year, according to Russia’s agricultural watchdog.

In 2024, Egypt imported 11.4 million tons of grain from Russia.

While the watchdog did not specify the exact volume of wheat, analysts from Rusagrotrans, a major Russian rail carrier, noted that Egypt imported 6.3 million metric tons of grain from July 2024 to January 2025 alone, a staggering 70% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

Egypt’s reliance on Russian wheat has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by competitive pricing and the country’s need to feed its population of over 110 million people.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Egypt imported approximately 12.5 million metric tons of wheat in 2024, with Russia accounting for nearly 80% of those imports.

Egypt’s increased imports are part of a broader strategy to bolster its grain reserves and ensure food security.

The country’s General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC), which oversees wheat purchases, has been actively securing contracts to maintain a buffer stock of at least six months’ worth of wheat. This strategy is critical for a nation where bread is a staple food and subsidized bread programs feed millions of low-income citizens.

Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter, has faced challenges in maintaining its export volumes this season due to adverse weather conditions that impacted its harvest.

The country’s grain exports are expected to decline by one-fifth, dropping to 55-57 million metric tons in the 2024-2025 season, down from a record 70 million metric tons in the previous season.

This decline has contributed to rising global wheat prices, which have surged by 15% over the past six months, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Despite these challenges, Russia has managed to retain its dominance in the global wheat market, particularly in key markets like Egypt.

Analysts attribute this to Russia’s ability to offer wheat at competitive prices, often undercutting other major exporters such as the European Union and the United States.

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