Egypt’s exports of chemicals and fertilisers to Saudi Arabia surged 98% year on year to approximately $356m in the first eight months of 2026, up from $180m in the same period last year, making the Kingdom the sector’s sixth-largest export market, according to the Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilisers.
The strong growth underscores Saudi Arabia’s importance as a key destination for Egyptian chemical products and fertilisers, supported by a diverse export base serving a range of industries.
Petrochemicals led exports to Saudi Arabia, reaching approximately $102m between January and August 2026. Fertilisers and pesticides ranked second at $51m, followed by plastics at $44m.
Exports of detergents totalled around $41m, while inks and paints reached $31m. Dry cells and batteries, as well as oils and extracts, each generated approximately $22m in exports.
Other exported products included miscellaneous chemicals valued at $16m and inorganic chemicals at $14m, alongside rubber products, organic chemicals, glass products and adhesives.
The council is seeking to build on this growth by intensifying promotional activities in Saudi Arabia and aligning its participation in international trade fairs with market performance and demand indicators.
As part of these efforts, the council is preparing to participate in Saudi Agriculture, scheduled for October 19-22, 2026, with a joint Egyptian pavilion showcasing products from participating companies and specialised sectors.
The participation aims to connect Egyptian exporters with Saudi buyers and importers, identify market requirements and explore commercial partnerships, particularly in fertilisers, pesticides and agricultural-related products.
The council plans to participate in four international exhibitions in Saudi Arabia in 2026, increasing its target to five exhibitions in 2027. The planned events will cover fertilisers and agricultural supplies, chemicals, plastics, tableware, glass products and the hospitality sector.
Khaled Abou El Makarem, Chairperson of the Export Council for Chemical Industries and Fertilisers, said the 98% increase in exports during the first eight months of 2026 highlighted the opportunities available for Egyptian companies to expand their presence and increase their market share in Saudi Arabia.
He added that the diversity of Egyptian exports, particularly petrochemicals, fertilisers, plastics, detergents, inks and paints, offered scope for further growth and expansion into additional product categories.
Abou El Makarem said the council would continue participating in international exhibitions and specialised events to strengthen direct engagement with importers, understand market needs and establish sustainable commercial relationships.
Mohamed Mageed, the council’s Executive Director, said the strategy extended beyond increasing participation in exhibitions to maximising their commercial returns through direct engagement with importers, bilateral meetings and follow-up on business opportunities after each event.
The council also supports member companies in addressing barriers to entering the Saudi market and provides market research and product-related information to help exporters identify opportunities and develop expansion plans.
Mageed added that the five exhibitions planned for 2027 would help broaden the range of Egyptian products available in Saudi Arabia and strengthen the sector’s presence across additional industries.
He concluded that the increase in exports should serve as a starting point for further expansion, with the council using trade data to guide promotional activities and translate market opportunities into actual exports and sustained growth.