Egypt’s Potato Exports to Malaysia Reach Record High in 2025 with 146% Growth, Driven by Rising Demand and Market Diversification

Egypt’s potato exports to Malaysia have reached record levels, marking a third consecutive year of sustained growth, according to EastFruit. In the first seven months of 2025, Egypt exported 2,500 tonnes of potatoes to Malaysia, valued at nearly USD 1 million. 

This figure not only sets a national record but also doubles the volume exported in 2024 and exceeds the 2022 total by a factor of fifteen. Over the past three years, Egypt’s average annual export growth rate to Malaysia has reached an impressive 146%. 

As one of the world’s top four potato exporters, Egypt considers potatoes a strategic export crop – second only to oranges in terms of foreign currency earnings within the fruit and vegetable sector. Between January and July 2025, Egyptian potatoes were shipped to 89 countries worldwide.

While Malaysia is not a primary or secondary market for Egyptian potatoes, exports to this destination accounted for less than 0.5% of Egypt’s total potato sales this year. Nevertheless, markets like Malaysia play a key role in Egypt’s strategy to diversify its export portfolio and mitigate market risks.

Shipments to Malaysia typically peak in the first half of the year. In both 2023 and 2025, June saw the highest volumes, whereas in 2024, the peak occurred in August.

Malaysia’s potato imports by country, showing China and Pakistan as dominant suppliers while Egypt’s share grows steadily, reaching a record high in 2025.

China and Pakistan remain Malaysia’s dominant potato suppliers, jointly covering approximately 85% of total imports last year. Meanwhile, the share of imports from other countries has declined – from 32% in 2022 to 22% in 2023, and further to 15% in 2024. Egypt’s market share, however, has steadily increased: from 0.1% in 2022 to 0.3% in 2023, and reaching 0.5% in 2024.

In 2025, imports from alternative sources began to rebound, enabling Egypt to further expand its footprint in the Malaysian market. By the end of July, Egypt’s share had climbed to 1.5%, with May and June figures exceeding 3% – a result of reduced shipments from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, while China was only beginning to scale up its exports.

Economic ties between Egypt and Malaysia have strengthened in recent years, positioning Malaysia as an increasingly attractive market for Egyptian exporters. As a result, further growth in potato exports to Malaysia is expected in the near term.

Further insights into Egypt’s export potential in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia will be presented during a dedicated online training session. The event will take place on September 23rd at 11:00 AM Cairo Time via Zoom. Participation is free of charge, but advance registration is required. More details and registration information are available here.