DUBAI: Egypt’s state grain buyer Future of Egypt has purchased about five cargoes of wheat this week in one of its first known imports in months, six trading sources told Reuters, as disruptions to Black Sea exports tighten supplies.
The wheat was purchased through private negotiations, rather than a tender. The import origin of the cargoes is still unclear, but four traders said the cargoes are expected to be sourced from Europe, including France and Romania.
The purchase marks a major return to the market for Egypt’s state buyer, which has largely stayed on the sidelines in recent months amid supply disruptions caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Egypt has bought a record amount of local wheat this year, while authorities said strategic reserves were sufficient to cover domestic needs for several months.
Russia and Ukraine accounted for more than 82 percent of Egypt’s wheat imports in the first half of 2026. Tit-for-tat attacks on ports, export terminals and commercial vessels have forced shippers to delay or cancel cargoes, prompting importers to seek alternative supplies.