Egypt is one of the largest consumers of fish in the Middle East, and herring plays a central role in its seafood market, particularly during festive seasons such as Sham El-Nessim. In 2023, herring imports were dominated by two European countries: Norway and the Netherlands, according to data from Trade Map.
1. Norway – 42.2 Thousand Tons
Norway leads the list of herring exporters to Egypt, supplying 42.2 thousand tons in 2023. Known for its cold-water fisheries, Norway has established itself as a reliable supplier of high-quality herring that meets Egypt’s growing demand.
2. Netherlands – 33.6 Thousand Tons
The Netherlands ranks second, exporting 33.6 thousand tons of herring to Egypt in 2023. Dutch suppliers play a major role in Europe’s seafood trade, benefiting from strong logistics and trade relations with Egyptian importers.
3. Other Countries – 3.8 Thousand Tons
Other exporters collectively contributed 3.8 thousand tons, a relatively small share compared to Norway and the Netherlands. These include smaller European and regional suppliers that serve niche markets.
Key Insights
- Norway and the Netherlands dominate Egypt’s herring imports, accounting for more than 95% of total imports.
- Herring demand in Egypt spikes seasonally, particularly during cultural and religious occasions, making stable imports essential.
- Dependence on European suppliers highlights the importance of trade agreements and shipping logistics in ensuring consistent supply.
Final Thoughts
In 2023, Egypt imported the majority of its herring from just two countries: Norway (42.2K tons) and the Netherlands (33.6K tons), with only a small fraction coming from other sources. This concentrated import structure underlines Egypt’s strong ties with European seafood exporters and the critical role of herring in Egyptian diets and traditions.
