Egypt's exports of sweet potatoes to France have continued to increase. In MY 2024/25 (July-June), shipments exceeded 40,000 tons, setting a new record. Export revenues reached US$33.3 million, also the highest on record.
This volume is double that of the previous marketing year and more than triple the quantity exported in MY 2019/20. Over the past five marketing years, Egypt's sweet potato exports to France have grown fifteenfold, with an average annual growth rate of 73 per cent.
© EastFruit
France is now Egypt's third-largest European export destination for sweet potatoes, after the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Exports take place year-round, with peak volumes usually in October to December and a secondary peak in February to March.
The increase is linked to rising consumer demand in France, where sweet potatoes are positioned as an alternative to conventional potatoes. Domestic production remains limited, mainly among small-scale growers, increasing dependence on imports. Compared with the previous marketing year, France's total sweet potato imports grew by 20 per cent, and over the past five years, total imports rose by 34 per cent.
© EastFruit
Spain had long been the main supplier of sweet potatoes to France. In MY 2023/24, Egypt expanded exports while Spanish shipments declined, becoming the leading supplier. In MY 2024/25, Egypt's market share continued to expand, accounting for more than 51 per cent of French imports. Portugal, the Netherlands, and Spain together supplied 36.3 per cent.
At present, Egypt leads the French sweet potato import market and supplies more than half of the total demand.
Source: EastFruit