Egypt tops global shisha tobacco ‘maassel' exports in 2024
According to the Food Export Council, Egypt's maassel exports have recorded steady growth over recent years, increasing at an annual rate of 7% in value and 4% in volume between 2020 and 2024. The year-on-year growth from 2023 to 2024 alone reached 15% in value, underlining the product's rising demand in regional and international markets.
The council reported that Iraq emerged as Egypt's top maassel market in 2024, importing $32 million worth of shisha tobacco, representing 25% of Egypt's total export value. Libya followed with imports worth $24m (19%), while Syria accounted for $14m (11%), Saudi Arabia for $13m (10%), and Kuwait for approximately $7m (5%).
Combined, these five countries represented about 70% of Egypt's total maassel exports last year, underscoring the strong presence and competitiveness of Egyptian shisha tobacco in key regional markets.
The Food Export Council highlighted that Egypt's sustained performance reflects the strength of its local production base, competitive pricing, and the diverse range of flavours offered by Egyptian producers. These factors, alongside relatively low production costs, skilled labour, and institutional support, have allowed Egyptian maassel to maintain a leading edge in both established and emerging markets.
The council also pointed to the role of growing regional demand and the opening of new export destinations in driving this upward trend, reinforcing Egypt's status as a global hub for shisha tobacco exports.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Key
an hour ago
- Economic Key
Genesis Launches in Egypt with Premium EVs in New Cairo
Genesis, the Korean luxury automotive brand, continues its ambitious expansion across the Middle East and Africa with the opening of its first showroom in Egypt. Marking a significant step in the brand's regional growth, with the official opening of the showroom in New Cairo's District 5, in partnership with GB Auto, the official distributor of Genesis in Egypt. The state-of-the-art 895 sqm showroom in District 5, New Cairo, features five Genesis models and includes a dedicated vehicle delivery zone, ensuring a premium and personalized customer experience. Genesis is initially introducing its EV lineup to the Egyptian market: the Electrified GV70, Electrified G80, and GV60, while internal combustion engine (ICE) models will be available for pre-order. During the brand reveal and showroom opening ceremony, Genesis unveiled its premium electric lineup and shared its vision for the future of distinguished driving in Egypt. Guests experienced an exclusive blend of innovation, design excellence, and customer-first service. Omar Al-Zubaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Middle East & Africa, commented, 'Our presence in Egypt is a pivotal step in Genesis' continued expansion across the Middle East and Africa; a region that is fast becoming a key growth engine for the brand. We are proud to introduce Genesis to the Egyptian market with a strong commitment to shaping the future of luxury mobility by merging advanced innovation with the spirit of Korean elegance.' Ibrahim Naguib, Chief Operating Officer of Passenger Cars at GB Auto, stated: 'We are proud to be driving progress through a clear and sustainable strategy focused on leadership in the automotive market. Our approach prioritizes customer needs and offers a range of models tailored to the diverse expectations of our valued clients. Launching the Korean brand Genesis in Egypt—its first entry into the African market—marks a defining moment that reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and market expansion. Mohamed Fouad, Vice President of Genesis Egypt, added: 'The new showroom was designed to reflect Genesis' identity and provide every visitor with an exceptional experience, from their arrival to the handover of their car, with attention to every detail of premium service and hospitality. At Genesis Egypt, we strive to provide our customers with the best possible journey, centered around their comfort at every step. This includes a fully integrated ownership experience with sales and after-sales services, such as five years of complimentary maintenance, concierge services, roadside assistance, and support with documentation and registration.' Genesis vehicle prices in Egypt are as follows: G80 Electrified Dynamic: 4,750,000 EGP Advanced: 4,950,000 EGP Performance: 5,450,000 EGP GV70 Electrified Dynamic: 4,500,000 EGP Advanced: 4,800,000 EGP GV60 Electrified Dynamic: 3,500,000 EGP Advanced: 4,100,000 EGP Performance: 4,950,000 EGP This launch is part of a broader strategy to introduce Genesis to key markets across the Middle East and Africa, offering discerning customers a premium automotive experience defined by distinctive design, advanced technology, and customer-focused service. تم نسخ الرابط
Middle East
3 hours ago
- Middle East
OPEN// FM affirms full support for development projects in Chad
CAIRO, July 21 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty Monday reaffirmed government's full support for development projects in Chad, particularly in the domains of infrastructure, energy, education, health, agriculture and capacity building. Abdelatty made the remarks during a short visit to the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, on Monday ahead of beginning of his West Africa tour, where he met with Chad's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamat Saleh Annadif. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on key regional issues of mutual concern, a top of which is the situation in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa and their implications for the stability of the continent. Abdelatty praised the recent advancement of Egyptian-Chadian relations, highlighting top priority attached by Egypt to finalizing the land road project linking Egypt and Chad. He emphasized the importance of the project for boosting trade exchange and facilitating the movement of people and goods between the two countries. Abdelatty expressed readiness of Egyptian companies to support Chad's efforts in constructing dams and rainwater harvesting wells. Furthermore, he emphasized Egypt's commitment to supporting the establishment of a diplomatic studies institute in Chad to train Chadian cadres. He also voiced support for the prompt finalization and inauguration of the Alexandria University campus in N'Djamena. (MENA) A A E/M O H
Middle East
3 hours ago
- Middle East
OPEN// FM: State pays great attention to Egyptians living abroad
CAIRO, July 22 (MENA) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said the Egyptian state pays great attention to its citizens living abroad. Abdelatty was speaking during a meeting with the Egyptian expat community in Burkina Faso on Tuesday, as part of his visit to Ouagadougou, the second leg of his current West African trip. Abdelatty reviewed the ministry's efforts to improve consular services by adopting modern digital mechanisms and streamlining procedures for more efficient and fast services. He also highlighted the ministry's endeavors in coordination with various state bodies to deal with any challenges facing Egyptian expats communities. The minister also discussed ongoing preparations for the sixth edition of the Egyptians Abroad Conference, which will be held under the slogan "From is the Destination," on August 3-4 in New Cairo. Abdelatty also touched on a number of initiatives launched by the government to support Egyptians living abroad and strengthen their connection to their homeland, such as a zero-customs car import initiative, a recruitment settlement initiative, 'Your Home in Egypt' initiative, 'Your Farm in Egypt' initiative, and an instant remittance transfers service via InstaPay mobile application, among many other initiatives to facilitate investment procedures for Egyptian expats and encourage their contribution to major national projects. Abdelatty embarked on a five-nation tour of West Africa on Monday, leading a high-level business delegation in a push to bolster economic ties and deepen security cooperation across a region facing significant challenges. The tour, which will also include stops in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Senegal, kicked off in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, where Abdelatty held a series of meetings with top Nigerian officials and the regional ECOWAS bloc. (MENA) M A A/M R E
