Egypt has continued to expand its role in the Malaysian strawberry market, setting a new export record this marketing year. According to EastFruit, Egypt exported nearly 1,500 metric tons of strawberries to Malaysia in the first ten months of the current season, generating more than $6 million in revenue. This volume exceeds last year's total exports by 30%.
The data reflects a consistent upward trend over recent years. Over the past five marketing years, Egypt's strawberry exports to Malaysia have increased at an average annual rate of 25%, resulting in a fourfold growth in export volume.
Although Malaysia currently accounts for less than 3% of Egypt's total strawberry exports, it represents a market with growing demand. This trade route also supports Egypt's efforts to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and diversify its export destinations.
A contributing factor to Egypt's position in the Malaysian market is the alignment between Egypt's export season and Malaysian demand. The main export window runs from November to April, with peak volumes between December and February. In the current marketing year, the highest monthly export volume (470 tons) was recorded in January, a figure that alone surpasses Egypt's total annual strawberry exports to Malaysia five years ago.
In Malaysia, Egypt competes with other strawberry suppliers such as Australia, the United States, South Korea, and Japan. However, the export seasons of Australia and the U.S. do not significantly overlap with Egypt's, giving Egypt a timing advantage. This year, reduced shipments from Australia and the U.S. were partly compensated by increased imports from South Africa. Meanwhile, exports from South Korea and Japan have remained stable over the past five years, showing minimal change.
Price remains another factor influencing market dynamics. The average import price per kilogram of strawberries was around $10 for South Korea, $8 for Australia, and $6.50 for the United States. In contrast, Egyptian strawberries were priced below $4 per kilogram, making them one of the lower-cost options in the market.
With the rising demand for fresh berries in Malaysia, Egypt has been able to expand its market share. This trend reflects broader efforts by Egyptian exporters to grow their presence in global markets. As previously reported, Egypt has also increased its strawberry exports to Central Asia, including a leading position in Kazakhstan.
Source: EastFruit