Egypt Dried Apricot Importers

Egypt Dried Apricot Import Market Overview

Egypt, despite being one of the world's largest producers of fresh apricots and dried fruits, maintains an active dried apricot import channel to supplement domestic production and meet specific quality and variety requirements of its food processing and retail sectors. The Egyptian dried fruit market is one of the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, driven by a population exceeding 100 million, a well-established food processing industry, and a growing consumer preference for dried fruit products as healthy snack alternatives and essential baking ingredients.

The import data presented on this page covers 10 verified shipment records from February 2020, documenting dried apricot imports into Egypt under HS Code 0813. During this single month, a total of 161,730 kilograms of dried apricots valued at USD 368,559.88 were imported through multiple shipments. These imports reflect Egypt's dual role in the global apricot trade: while the country is a significant exporter of dried apricots, particularly from its Malatya-quality varieties grown in the Nile Valley and Sinai regions, it also imports specific dried apricot grades and varieties that are not sufficiently produced domestically or that meet particular industrial specifications required by Egyptian food manufacturers.

The Egyptian dried apricot import market serves several distinct demand segments. The food processing industry, which produces jams, preserves, baked goods, and confectionery products, represents a major consumer of imported dried apricots. The retail and hospitality sectors also contribute to import demand, particularly for premium-grade dried apricots used in hotel breakfast buffets, restaurant desserts, and specialty food stores. Additionally, Egypt's role as a regional re-export hub means that some imported dried apricots may be processed, repackaged, and subsequently exported to other African and Middle Eastern markets, adding an additional layer of complexity to the country's dried apricot trade dynamics.

HS Code 0813 Classification Details

Dried apricots are classified under HS Code 0813 within the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, falling under Chapter 8 which covers edible fruit and nuts, peel of citrus fruit or melons. The full 12-digit HS code used in the shipment records is 081310000000, which provides the most granular level of customs classification. Understanding this classification hierarchy is essential for trade analysts, importers, and exporters working with dried fruit commodity data.

The EU Combined Nomenclature and the Egyptian customs tariff further subdivide HS Code 0813 to distinguish between different types of dried fruit based on the specific fruit variety, processing method (natural drying, sulfured, or unsulfured), and packaging format. Dried apricots under 0813 10 can be further categorized by their sulfur dioxide treatment status, which is an important quality and safety consideration. Sulfured dried apricots maintain a brighter orange color and longer shelf life, while unsulfured varieties appeal to health-conscious consumers and organic food markets. The shipment records on this page predominantly cover conventionally dried apricot products under the 081310000000 classification, which is the standard code for dried apricots in the Egyptian customs system.

Shipment Records and Trade Data

The following table presents 10 verified shipment records documenting dried apricot imports into Egypt during February 2020. Each record represents a separate consignment under HS Code 081310000000, with details including the shipment date, product description, quantity in kilograms, and total declared value in US dollars.

Trade Data Analysis

The February 2020 shipment data reveals several important characteristics of Egypt's dried apricot import patterns. The following statistical summary provides key trade indicators derived from the 10 verified shipment records, offering valuable insights for exporters and trade analysts evaluating the Egyptian dried apricot market.

The shipment data reveals a concentrated import pattern during February 2020, with all 10 shipments occurring within a 20-day window from February 6 to February 25. This concentration suggests seasonal procurement behavior, likely related to the availability of new crop dried apricots from the Northern Hemisphere's 2019 harvest season. Several product descriptions specifically reference "2019 crop," confirming that these imports were sourced from the most recently available harvest. The average unit price of USD 2.28 per kilogram reflects mid-range dried apricot pricing, with individual shipment prices ranging from USD 1.74 per kilogram to USD 2.95 per kilogram depending on product quality, grade, and packaging specifications.

The shipment size distribution shows that the majority of consignments fall within the 19,000 to 22,000 kilogram range, indicating that Egyptian importers typically procure dried apricots in full container load (FCL) quantities. The two smaller shipments of 3,000 kilograms and 4,000 kilograms may represent trial orders, specialty grade purchases, or less-than-containerload (LCL) consignments. The highest unit value shipment on February 19, 2020 at USD 2.87 per kilogram likely represents a premium-grade or specifically processed dried apricot product, while the lowest unit value shipments around USD 1.74 per kilogram correspond to standard commercial-grade dried apricots.

Egypt Dried Fruit Market Dynamics

Egypt occupies a unique and somewhat paradoxical position in the global dried apricot trade. As a country with a significant agricultural sector and favorable climatic conditions for apricot cultivation, Egypt is simultaneously a notable producer and exporter of dried apricots while also maintaining active import volumes. This dual role can be attributed to several factors. First, Egypt's domestic production, while substantial, may not fully satisfy the total demand from its large population and extensive food processing sector. Second, specific dried apricot varieties and quality grades required by Egyptian industrial users may not be available from domestic sources, necessitating imports from specialized producing countries.

The Egyptian dried fruit market is characterized by strong demand from multiple sectors. The confectionery and baking industry is a major consumer of dried apricots, using them in traditional Egyptian pastries, jams, and preserves. The growing health food and natural snacks segment has also contributed to increased demand for dried fruits, including apricots, as Egyptian consumers become more health-conscious and seek nutritious snack alternatives. The hospitality and tourism sector, which contributes significantly to the Egyptian economy, creates additional demand for premium dried fruits used in hotel breakfast buffets and restaurant offerings.

Egypt's strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe provides significant logistical advantages for dried fruit trade. The country's access to the Suez Canal and major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports enables efficient import and export operations. Key entry points for dried apricot imports include the ports of Alexandria, Damietta, Port Said, and Suez, which handle the majority of Egypt's food import cargo. The Egyptian government's trade policies, including tariff structures and import regulations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and various bilateral trade agreements, also influence the dynamics of the dried apricot import market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

This page presents verified trade data documenting Egypt's dried apricot imports during February 2020 under HS Code 081310000000. The 10 shipment records reveal a total import volume of 161,730 kilograms valued at USD 368,559.88, with an average unit price of USD 2.28 per kilogram. All shipments were concentrated within a 20-day period in February 2020, reflecting seasonal procurement patterns aligned with the availability of 2019 crop dried apricots from Northern Hemisphere producing countries.

Egypt's position as both a producer and importer of dried apricots underscores the complexity of the global dried fruit trade and the country's integrated role in regional and international supply chains. The consistent shipment sizes in the 19,000 to 22,000 kilogram range indicate that Egyptian importers operate at commercial scale, procuring full container loads to supply the country's substantial food processing, retail, and hospitality sectors. The price range of USD 1.74 to USD 2.95 per kilogram reflects the diverse quality grades and product specifications being imported, from standard commercial-grade dried apricots to premium and specialty products. For international dried apricot exporters, the Egyptian market represents a significant and accessible opportunity within the MENA region's largest food import market.

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