Egypt has solidified its position as a global leader in onion production, with the Ministry of Agriculture estimating local production at an impressive 5 million tons annually. This surge in production has not only satisfied domestic demand but has also enabled the country to export significant quantities, with over 26,000 tons shipped abroad in the first three months of 2025 alone.
Dr. Alaa Khalil, Director of the Horticultural Crops Research Institute, emphasized that Egypt is producing enough onions for the local market and has a surplus of approximately one million tons available for export. This surplus comes despite various global challenges affecting agricultural production. "There is a significant increase in Egyptian onion production, which is considered a strategic crop," Dr. Khalil stated.
In response to rising international demand, research is underway to develop new onion varieties aimed at enhancing export rates. According to a report from the Onion Research Department, these new varieties are expected to possess higher levels of dry matter, making them less susceptible to spoilage compared to onions from other countries. This aspect not only ensures better preservation during shipping but also maintains the nutritional value of the produce for longer periods.
In a recent development, Costa Rica has opened its market to fresh Egyptian onions, a move announced by Alaa Farouk, the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. This decision followed successful negotiations between agricultural quarantine authorities in both countries, reflecting Egypt's ongoing efforts to expand its agricultural export markets and bolster the national economy through foreign currency influx. Farouk noted that the Egyptian agricultural exports exceeded 2.7 million tons in the first quarter of 2025, with key exports including fresh potatoes, onions, garlic, pomegranates, strawberries, and beans.
Meanwhile, as the 2025 season for exporting Egyptian grapes begins, the agricultural sector is also witnessing a notable increase in grape exports. Dr. Mohamed Al-Mansi, director of agricultural quarantine, reported that grape exports reached 181,981 tons in the last season, up from 113,319 tons in 2019. This growth is attributed to improved market access, including the recent opening of the Vietnamese market to Egyptian grapes.
Dr. Al-Mansi highlighted that the increase in grape exports is a result of stringent quality control measures and the establishment of new market channels. "We are currently negotiating with several other new markets, ensuring that our products meet international standards," he explained. The agricultural quarantine has been actively involved in setting and consulting on these standards through various international forums, ensuring that Egyptian agricultural products maintain their competitive edge.
In addition to onions and grapes, Egypt has also made significant strides in the frozen strawberry market. The Information and Decision Support Center of the Council of Ministers reported that Egypt is now the leading exporter of frozen strawberries globally, thanks to the high quality and distinct taste of its produce. Recently, the country exported around 47,000 tons of fresh strawberries while also supplying large quantities to the local market at reasonable prices, ensuring that domestic demand is met.
This remarkable growth in agricultural exports reflects the Egyptian agricultural sector's development, particularly in high-value fruit crops that are vital for generating foreign currency and supporting the country's food security strategy. The success of these agricultural products not only enhances Egypt's economy but also reinforces its reputation as a key player in global agricultural markets.
As part of efforts to further enhance product quality, the Jordanian Standards and Metrology Organization is also making strides in improving the quality of Jordanian products for export. General Manager Abir Al-Zuhair announced that the organization aims to open more markets for Jordanian products and has recently received recognition from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department for its Halal certification. This recognition is expected to bolster Jordan's position in the global Halal products market.
Al-Zuhair noted that the focus on quality certification among Jordanian companies demonstrates a commitment to maintaining product standards and increasing demand in international markets. The organization is working on establishing more agreements with international certification bodies to enhance the credibility of Jordanian products. "Our efforts are crucial for protecting intellectual property rights for plant varieties, which in turn strengthens the reputation of Jordanian exports globally," she stated.
In conclusion, the agricultural sectors in both Egypt and Jordan are experiencing significant growth and expansion in international markets. With strategic efforts to enhance product quality, develop new varieties, and open new markets, these countries are positioning themselves as key players in the global agricultural landscape. The focus on quality assurance and adherence to international standards will be vital in maintaining competitiveness and ensuring the continued success of their agricultural exports.
