Egypt, World's Largest Wheat Importer, Plans to Boost Purchases in 2024/2025 While Reducing Expenses
The Egyptian General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) has signed a direct contract for the acquisition of 3.12 million tons of wheat, deliverable between November and April. This is the largest contract signed by the public buyer since the start of direct purchases in 2022.
This initiative comes as Egyptian wheat imports are expected to reach new heights in 2024/2025, with a predicted increase of 1.6% to reach 12.2 million tons, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In Egypt, wheat purchase expenses have increased by 30%, reaching $2.3 billion in the first half of 2024, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). The majority of consumed wheat is destined for the bread subsidy program, which costs the state approximately $3 billion annually, according to official data.
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