Cairo — Egypt is expanding its wheat import sources toward France and other European suppliers as disruptions affecting shipments from Russia and Ukraine push Cairo to reduce its reliance on the two traditional suppliers.
Supply Minister Sherif Farouk said Egypt has stepped up engagement with Bulgaria and Romania while placing greater emphasis on France, which is emerging as an important supplier, according to comments reported by television host Ahmed Moussa and later confirmed by a ministry spokesperson.
A 50,000-metric-ton shipment of wheat from France is currently en route to Egypt, with further French shipments expected to continue.
Strategic reserves exceed six months
Farouk said Egypt’s wheat reserves are sufficient to cover more than six months of strategic consumption, providing a buffer as global supply conditions remain uncertain.
The government is also considering additional purchases as a hedge against potential future price increases. The Supply Ministry is discussing the strategy with the Future of Egypt Authority, the country’s state grain buyer, and the Finance Ministry.
According to Farouk’s comments, Egypt plans to increase purchases once global wheat prices ease somewhat.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Mohamed Ezz
Editing: Edmund Klamann
