Egypt’s state grain buyer, Future of Egypt, has purchased approximately five cargoes of wheat this week, marking one of its first known import purchases in months, according to six trading sources.
The purchases were negotiated privately rather than through a public tender. Although the origins of the shipments remain unconfirmed, traders expect four of the cargoes to be sourced from European countries, including France and Romania.
The move comes as disruptions to Black Sea exports, driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tighten global wheat supplies and complicate shipping operations.
Russia and Ukraine accounted for more than 82% of Egypt’s wheat imports in the first half of 2026. Attacks on ports, export terminals and commercial vessels have disrupted shipments, prompting importers to explore alternative supply routes.
Despite purchasing record quantities of locally grown wheat this year, Egyptian authorities have maintained that the country’s strategic reserves are sufficient to meet domestic demand for several months.
Traders say Future of Egypt has recently increased its requests for price indications and offers, suggesting a renewed interest in international wheat markets.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Sarah El Safty, Olga Popova, Michael Hogan, Gus Tromoiz
Editing: Tomasz Janowski& Jan Harvey
