Tuesday 14/October/2025 – 09:55 AM
Hazem Al-Munoufi, a member of the Foodstuffs Division, said that the Ministry of Investment’s decision to extend the period of the sugar export ban for six months clearly contributed to enhancing supply within the local market, which led to relative stability in prices after waves of rise during the past periods.
Sugar prices fell
Al-Menoufi explained in exclusive statements to Cairo 24 that this type of temporary protectionist policy aims primarily to protect the consumer and control markets during periods of volatility, which has already been achieved to a significant degree.
He pointed out that the recent decline in sugar prices, whether loose or packaged, is still too early to judge its sustainability, but current indicators, such as improved local production and abundant supply, support the possibility of continuing the decline in the short and medium term, provided that global energy and shipping prices, and sugar prices in international markets, stabilize.
Supporting local market stability
Al-Menoufi added that the ban decision serves the local economic interest at this stage, as it limits dependence on imports and supports the stability of the local market, especially in light of the increase in local production by 34%, which gives the state greater flexibility in meeting local demand without significant pressure on prices.
He expected prices to continue their downward trend or at stable levels in the coming months, if local production continues to improve and demand rates stabilize.
Regarding the impact of the decision on sugar manufacturing companies, he explained that the decision represents a “double-edged sword,” as it limits export opportunities and affects the foreign revenues of some companies, but in return, it contributes to the stability of the local market and reduces fluctuations that may hinder production and distribution plans.
Banning the export of all types of sugar for a period of six months
Al-Menoufy concluded his statements by stressing that the flexibility of companies and their willingness to adapt to changes, in addition to the clarity of government policies, represent the decisive factors to ensure market stability and sustainable growth in this vital sector.
In this context, yesterday, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade issued an official decision banning the export of all types of sugar for an additional six months, in accordance with Resolution No. 394 of 2025.
The decision aims to secure the needs of the local market and ensure the availability of sugar to consumers at stable prices. The decision also stipulates allowing the export of quantities of sugar only if it is proven that there is a surplus beyond the needs of the local market, based on the approval of the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, and after obtaining the approval of the Minister of Industry, Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel Al-Wazir.
The decision came in conjunction with the decline in sugar prices in the Egyptian market, as the price of a ton of local bulk sugar fell by about 400 pounds, reaching 24.8 thousand pounds.
As for the price of a ton of bulk imported sugar, it recorded about 23 thousand pounds, while the price of a ton of packaged sugar ranged between 25 and 28 thousand pounds, according to what traders in the local market confirmed to Cairo 24.
