Egypt has struck a major deal to buy at least 200,000 metric tons of French wheat, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s largest wheat importers at a time when millions of its citizens are grappling with high food prices and inflation.
The agreement was made through Future of Egypt (FoE), the military-linked agency that recently took over international grain purchases from the decades-old General Authority for Supply Commodities. In addition to the French deal, Cairo also secured several smaller cargoes of wheat from Ukraine and Romania to meet its growing demand. Traders suggest the real volume could be even higher, with reports indicating as many as seven large vessels of French wheat more than 400,000 tons may have been booked in the last two weeks.
Wheat is a lifeline in Egypt, where subsidized bread feeds over two-thirds of the country’s 108 million people. With domestic production falling short of its 2024/25 target of 4 to 5 million tons, Egypt has been forced to lean heavily on imports to avoid deepening its food crisis. Prices for the French shipments are estimated between $265 and $275 per ton, with flexible payment terms allowing Cairo to push deliveries in the coming weeks.
Analysts say Egypt would typically favor Russian wheat, but limited supply and cautious farmer selling have tightened availability. This left French wheat, fresh from harvest and readily available, as a more reliable option. However, the new purchasing strategy under FoE has created uncertainty for global traders, with reports of delayed and revised agreements in past months.
Egypt’s wheat imports dropped by 30% in the first half of 2025, a sharp decline that underscores the economic strain on the country. Yet, securing these shipments is vital to ensure stability, particularly as families continue to struggle with rising costs of living.
The latest deal highlights the delicate balance Cairo must maintain meeting immediate food security needs while navigating unpredictable markets and shifting global supply dynamics. For Egyptians, the stakes could not be higher, as bread remains not just food but a symbol of survival.