Egypt medicinal plant exports reach $852m
Exports of dried herbs, extracts and oils grew from around $400m in previous years to $852m in 2025.
Egypt's exports of medicinal and aromatic plants and related products reached around $852m in 2025, according to Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk. The government aims to expand local processing and increase value added in the sector. These crops are cultivated on about 80,000 feddans across Egypt, including marjoram, basil, mint, anise, chamomile, fennel, coriander, hibiscus and jasmine.
Farouk stated that exports of dried herbs, extracts and oils reached $852m in 2025, a significant increase from around $400m in previous years. He noted that approximately 85% of the output of some crops in dried-herb form is exported, making the sector a key source of foreign currency and jobs. The ministry is encouraging investment in processing to create higher added value products.
The government is developing an integrated service centre for medicinal and aromatic plants in Samasta, Beni Suef governorate, with support from the UN Development Programme and the European Union. This centre will offer sterilisation, processing, residue-testing, and advisory services. The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) is also supporting a programme to increase small farmers' incomes and promote agricultural innovation.
Why it mattersFarmers and processors in Egypt are affected by increased export earnings and government support for processing and innovation.