Egypt Regains Top Spot as Largest Mango Exporter to Saudi Arabia in 2022

Once again, Egypt has secured its position as the largest supplier of mangoes to Saudi Arabia. According to reports by EastFruit, the Arab republic set a new record for mango exports to the Kingdom in 2022, earning back its title that it lost the previous year. Notably, mango exports to Saudi Arabia have remained at record levels in the first half of this year. In 2022, Saudi Arabia imported 34,000 tonnes of mangoes from Egypt, marking a year-on-year increase of 60%. This jump in exports is particularly noteworthy as mango production in Egypt had sharply declined in 2021 due to adverse weather conditions such as fluctuating temperatures causing early fruit drop. As a result, mango exports from Egypt to Saudi Arabia had dropped to 21,000 tonnes last year, compared to 33,800 tonnes in 2020. However, this year, Egypt has managed to revitalize its mango exports. Initially, about 250 tonnes of Egyptian mangoes were sent to Saudi Arabia in June, a record figure for the month that inspires hope for a record year in 2023. Yet, it's crucial to remember that mango production in Egypt and subsequent exports fluctuate yearly due to weather conditions. Mango export prospects could be negatively impacted by reports of sunburn on mango fruits. However, Saudi Arabia's overall import of mangoes has been increasing since 2019, largely due to supplies from Egypt and Yemen, and is expected to reach a new high this year.