25 Aug 2022

CAPMAS (The Center for Public Mobilization & Statistics) released data showing that Egypt’s cotton exports more than doubled in 2021 from the year before. By the end of the crop season in August 2021, Egyptian cotton exports had risen 102% compared to the previous season. The main reason for this large spike in exports was a surge in local cotton production, which increased by 33% in 2021. The total land area dedicated to planting cotton also increased by 20% in the same period.

India imported most of Egypt’s exported cotton, receiving 87% of the total. On the other hand, domestic consumption of cotton dropped 31% in 2021. As part of the government’s domestic trade reforms, Egypt has introduced a new system for farmers to sell their crops, which involves auctions that lead to selling prices that are in line international prices. (Sources: al-Ahram (English), Egypt Today (English), Sada el-Balad (English) (Arabic), Egyptian Gazette (English), al-Maal, Amwal al-Ghad, Economy Plus, al-Youm al-Saabe, Akhbar al-Youm, Masrawy)