In a significant development, Egypt’s wheat imports have surged during the first nine months of 2024, with much of the supply coming from the Black Sea region. However, Egypt’s long-term plans suggest a shift away from wheat dependency, aiming to incorporate more sorghum and corn. What does this mean for the country’s food security and agricultural policy?

Record Wheat Imports from Russia and Ukraine

According to recent customs data, Egypt imported a staggering 10.8 million tons of wheat between January and September 2024, marking a substantial increase from the 8.3 million tons imported during the same period last year. Of these imports, 8 million tons came from Russia, with another 1.5 million tons sourced from Ukraine. This reliance on Black Sea wheat continues to be a cornerstone of Egypt’s grain supply.

Egypt's Plan to Cut Wheat Imports

Despite the increase in wheat imports, Egypt is looking to reduce its reliance on the grain. In an effort to cut costs associated with its subsidized bread program, the country plans to gradually replace a portion of wheat imports with sorghum and corn. This strategy is aimed at diversifying food sources and reducing the financial burden of importing large volumes of wheat.

GASC Strikes Major Wheat Supply Deal

In a significant move, Egypt’s state-owned grain operator, GASC (General Authority for Supply Commodities), recently concluded one of the largest direct agreements for Black Sea wheat. The deal, which secures 510,000 tons of wheat for monthly delivery, underscores Egypt's ongoing need for substantial wheat imports to meet domestic demand. Despite efforts to reduce reliance on wheat, this agreement highlights the challenges the country faces in transitioning away from its staple grain.

Will Sorghum and Corn Replace Wheat?

Egypt’s strategy to introduce sorghum and corn as alternatives to wheat is still in its early stages. While these grains offer a more cost-effective solution, questions remain about how quickly and effectively this transition can happen. The demand for subsidized bread remains high, and wheat has been the cornerstone of Egypt’s food system for decades.

Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act

As Egypt continues to rely on wheat imports from Russia and Ukraine, its efforts to diversify with sorghum and corn reflect a long-term vision for more sustainable food sourcing. However, the transition will take time, and the country’s reliance on wheat is likely to remain strong for the foreseeable future. For now, Egypt is navigating a delicate balance between maintaining food security and reducing costs in its heavily subsidized bread program.





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