As a staple crop in Egyptian households, tomatoes have recently become a focal point of public attention due to sharp price fluctuations. Retail prices surged to record levels of EGP 50–60 per kilogram in May before declining to around EGP 20–25 per kilogram with the arrival of the summer season, improving market supply. A combination of climate-related production challenges, rising export demand, and distribution inefficiencies drove price volatility. In response, the Ministry of Supply intervened by offering tomatoes at subsidized prices through consumer complexes.

In this factsheet, we learn more about the inflation in tomato prices during 2025, Egypt’s position as a global producer and exporter, and the economic importance of tomato crops for Egypt.

• Egyptian tomatoes are favored for their rich flavor, juicy texture, and vibrant colors. They are available in a diverse array of shapes and sizes, each offering a unique taste and texture. Among the most popular varieties are beefsteak tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and Roma tomatoes.
• Total tomato crop area reached 414,127 feddan in 2023/2024, compared to 394,800 feddan in 2022/2023, recording an annual increase of 4.8%. Tomato crop area accounts for around 17% of total vegetables’ crop area in Egypt.
• Tomato production in Egypt slightly declined by 1.8% year-on-year (YoY), reaching 6.97 million tons in 2023/2024 compared to 7.1 million tons in 2022/2023. This represented around 25% of total vegetables’ production in Egypt.
• In the 2023/2024 season, Nubaria City was the largest location producing tomatoes in Egypt, where production reached 1.8 million tons, making up 25.7% of the country’s total production. Sharkia governorate came second with 641,451 tons, while Beheira came third with 559,352 tons.
• Globally, Egypt is known as a major tomato producer, as it ranked the 5^th largest tomato producer in the world in 2023. Egypt’s share of global tomatoes was 3.2%.
• In 2025, Egypt was the world’s 25^th largest exporter of tomatoes with a market share of 0.3%. Egypt’s exports recorded around $30 million, a 40% YoY decline compared to 2024. Tomato exports accounted for 1.4% of Egypt’s total vegetable exports in 2025.
• Egypt’s exports accessed 36 international markets in 2025. Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia were the key importing markets from Egypt, with imports equivalent to $8.6 million, $3.9 million, and $3.7 million, respectively.

By: Amina Hussein