Egypt is set to revive its national commodity exchange in a bid to stabilise domestic markets and ensure the steady availability of essential agricultural products, the presidency announced yesterday.
The revamped exchange will oversee the regulation of imports and exports for critical goods such as crops, animal feed, fertilizers, and processed foods.
It is expected to improve market efficiency and reduce price volatility in a country grappling with economic pressures.
The initiative will be managed by Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development—a military-affiliated entity that the government describes as a “safety valve” for balancing the needs of both producers and consumers.
The move comes amid a wider strategy by the government to assert greater control over key economic sectors.
Registration processes for importers and exporters are already underway, and a draft law to guide the exchange’s operations is currently in development, Reuters reported.
However, traders report that they have not yet been contacted for registration, and authorities have yet to release a definitive list of commodities that will be traded through the platform.
Earlier indications suggest the exchange will handle a wide range of agricultural and agri-industrial goods, including veterinary medicines and pesticides.
The exchange’s relaunch comes against the backdrop of a sharp decline in Egypt’s wheat imports—down 27% year-on-year in the first half of 2025 to 5.2 million metric tons.
Government wheat purchases fell more than 57% to 1.5 million tons, largely due to an overhaul of procurement procedures.
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As one of the world’s largest wheat importers, Egypt’s ability to maintain stable supply chains is crucial for both its subsidised bread programme and the private milling sector.
Under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, military-owned firms have become increasingly prominent across Egypt’s economic landscape.
While the government argues these institutions fill critical market gaps and bolster economic resilience, some investors and private sector players have voiced concerns over their growing influence.
The relaunch of the commodity exchange represents another step in the state’s efforts to consolidate economic management through institutions it deems more secure and stable.
Image Credit: Ahram Online
