by PressEgypt restricts pulses exports to cope with a food crisis
Pulses exports will be temporarily halted in Egypt
The relevant Egyptian ministry introduced new rules for the supply of agricultural products. For three months, the authorities banned the export of pulses, including wheat, lentils, various types of flour, and beans. The government explained this decision by its desire to maintain stability in the country’s food market and avoid a food crisis.
As a result of the conflict between some of the main world suppliers of agricultural products, there is a significant increase in commodity prices. In addition, experts say there are limited stocks of important crops. The situation is aggravated by the rise in oil prices. Egypt has already felt the effects of the geopolitical crisis since the country has brought about 80% of its grain from exporters involved in the confrontation. At the same time, the government notes that on the domestic market the price of wheat and other crops increased by 17%, while on the world market it showed an increase of 48%.
Egyptian authorities have assessed their wheat stocks, which should be sufficient until the end of this year. In addition, local farmers began harvesting grain in April, which also helps to provide food to the population. However, the government is exploring the possibility of increasing imports of wheat from other countries, such as Canada or the United States.
Egypt has a system of subsidizing citizens for basic foodstuffs. Millions of people receive necessary goods at below-market prices. This includes pasta, bread, rice, and vegetable oil. It should be noted that some of the most important crops for the local population are corn and wheat, of which tortillas are made. Egyptians also eat lentil soup and rice.
Against the background of the crisis in the agricultural market, a number of exporters are increasing the volume of supplies. Among them is Turkey, which has significantly increased sales of pulses and oilseeds in a small period. According to the government’s goals, the country plans to earn $11 billion from exports in 2022. In the previous period, that amount was a little over $9 billion, with shipments to 214 countries. The Middle East remains Turkey’s main importer, with African countries and the EU in second place. Last year, the largest volume of shipments was sent to Iran, the total amount here was about 1.7 billion dollars. Agricultural products worth 559 million dollars were sent to Syria and 552 million dollars — to the United States.
The main regions of pulses production in Turkey are provinces in the south and southeast of the country. Export volumes from provinces here are about 3 billion dollars. The Mediterranean region also has a good crop yield.