Egypt has firmly established itself as the dominant player in Germany’s sweet potato market, surpassing traditional suppliers including the United States, China, Spain, and the Netherlands, according to EastFruit. Germany imported 16,100 tons of Egyptian sweet potatoes in 2025, valued at more than €18 million. This represents a 72% increase compared to 2024 and marks the highest level of trade between the two countries to date.
Egypt’s rise has been both consistent and remarkable. Exports to Germany have grown for 13 consecutive years, with volumes expanding more than sixfold in the past five years alone. The average annual growth rate during this period reached 46%, underscoring Egypt’s rapid consolidation in the market.
Seasonality plays a role in Egypt’s export dynamics, with shipments peaking in autumn and winter. October 2025 was a milestone month, as Egypt delivered 3,600 tons, equal to Germany’s total annual imports from Egypt in 2021 and exceeding 2020 volumes.
The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically. While the US, Spain, the Netherlands, and China once dominated, Egypt has steadily displaced them. Spain lost ground in 2023, the Netherlands in 2024, and by 2025 Egypt had overtaken all rivals to secure a 23% share of the German market, up from just 5% in 2020.
Egypt’s success is not coincidental but the result of strategic advantages:
- Geographic proximity: Shorter transit routes reduce costs and ensure fresher produce compared to transatlantic or Asian shipments.
- Price competitiveness: The depreciation of the Egyptian pound has made Egyptian sweet potatoes 20–30% cheaper than American or Spanish alternatives, a decisive factor in Germany’s price-sensitive retail sector.
- Quality improvements: Egyptian producers have adopted popular varieties and invested heavily in certifications such as GLOBALG.A.P. and GRASP, meeting the stringent requirements of German supermarket chains.
Egypt’s momentum extends beyond sweet potatoes. In 2025, the country also achieved record exports of frozen strawberries to Germany, further strengthening its position as a key supplier of fresh and frozen produce to Europe.
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