Red Sea crisis will certainly impact orange sales from Egypt

Leading figures in the fruit sector have expressed their concerns over the Red Sea crisis, which has already impacted the sales of apples to the Middle East from Europe. The European apple market in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, estimated to be worth around $400 million, has been affected by Houthi rebel attacks on ships.

Reports suggest that 150 fewer vessels went through the Suez Canal in January this year compared to the same month in 2023, representing about five million tonnes of cargo that has either not left its source at all or has been rerouted around the southern tip of Africa.

Another sector that has been affected is that of Egyptian oranges. Egypt is the world's largest exporter of citrus fruit, with oranges making up about 85 per cent of the total. Due to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, some orange producers have opted to send their exports to the Middle East and Asia out of the western end of the Mediterranean and around Africa.

“Egypt will keep exporting through a longer route, but it will come at some cost to growers. Also, the price to consumers will go up, compensating for part of the extra shipping costs,” said Ms Zvierieva.

East African countries are also facing similar dilemmas in sending their fresh fruit and vegetables to markets in Europe. Kenya, the world's largest exporter of black tea, is particularly affected as the quickest route to Europe is through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, a passage that now carries added risk due to the Houthi attacks.