Figs are one of Egypt’s oldest and most distinctive fruits, exported two ways: fresh figs — sweet, delicate and among the most perishable fruits in the trade, moved by air at premium prices — and dried figs, shelf-stable and graded by size for year-round supply. A warm climate and long fig-growing heritage make Egypt a leading origin. This guide is the hub for importers: what Egypt grows, when it ships, the markets it serves, the specifications buyers ask for and the compliance behind every consignment.

Quick answer: Egypt is the world’s second-largest fig producer — after Türkiye — with output on the order of 200,000–300,000 tonnes a year (FAO). It exports fresh figs (dark and light types; highly perishable, airfreighted) and dried figs (shelf-stable, size-graded). The fresh season is summer (about June to October, peak July–September); dried figs ship year-round from storage. Both fresh and dried figs trade under HS code 0804.20. Fresh figs are extremely perishable (rapid cool to ~0°C, airfreight). Markets include the EU, the Gulf and the Middle East. (Sources: FAO, 2023; ITC Trade Map, 2025.)

Why Egyptian figs

  • Fresh and dried: premium fresh figs and shelf-stable dried figs from one origin.
  • Long fig heritage: deep growing experience and suitable climate.
  • Premium fresh window: sweet summer figs for high-value airfreight markets.
  • Dried versatility: size-graded dried figs for retail and ingredients.
  • Proximity: short air and sea routes to the EU and Gulf.

Forms and types

Form / typeCharacterMain market
Fresh — darkPurple/black skin, sweetEU & Gulf premium (airfreight)
Fresh — light/greenGreen/amber skin, honeyedEU & Gulf premium
Dried figsSize-graded, shelf-stableRetail & ingredients

Season and availability

The fresh fig season runs through the summer — roughly June to October, peaking July to September. Dried figs are processed and stored, shipping year-round. Exact windows shift year to year with cultivar and weather.

Key export markets

  • European Union & UK: premium fresh figs (airfreight) and dried figs.
  • Gulf & Middle East: fresh and dried, with strong cultural demand.
  • Wider markets: dried figs for retail and food manufacturing.

Specifications and grades

  • Fresh: size, colour, intact skin, no splitting or bruising; correct ripeness.
  • Dried: size grade, uniform colour, moisture within spec, no insect damage.
  • Pricing & terms: FOB/CIF; fresh by grade (airfreight), dried by size and pack.

Both fresh and dried figs trade under HS code 0804.20.

Compliance and food safety

Fresh figs require a phytosanitary certificate (figs are a fruit-fly host), compliance with destination MRLs (EU: Regulation (EC) No 396/2005), and GLOBALG.A.P. with ISPM 15 packaging and traceability. Dried figs are a processed food needing food-safety management (HACCP), moisture and pest control, and aflatoxin testing (a key checkpoint for dried fruit). Egyptian figs are not on the EU’s enhanced official-controls list (Regulation (EU) 2019/1793), so they are not subject to increased border checks — though aflatoxin control on dried figs remains essential.

Explore the Egyptian figs hub

Frequently asked questions

When are Egyptian fresh figs in season?

In summer (about June to October, peak July-September); dried figs are available year-round.

What fig forms does Egypt export?

Fresh figs (dark and light types) and dried figs.

Why are fresh figs airfreighted?

They are extremely perishable, so they are moved fast by air to premium markets.

Which markets buy Egyptian figs?

The EU and UK, the Gulf and Middle East, and wider markets for dried figs.

Under what HS code are figs traded?

Both fresh and dried figs under HS 0804.20.

How to cite this page. Reusing a figure from this guide? Please cite it and link to this page as the source.

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Figs Export: The Complete Guide.” peitrade.com, 2026. https://peitrade.com/egyptian-figs-export-guide/

Sources

  • FAO (2023) — Egypt as the world’s second-largest fig producer after Türkiye (~200,000–300,000 tonnes).
  • ITC Trade Map (2025) — Egyptian fresh and dried fig export volumes and destinations.
  • Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture — types, growing regions and export data.
  • European Commission — MRLs (Regulation (EC) No 396/2005), Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 official-controls list (Egypt not listed), aflatoxin and plant-health requirements.

Source Egyptian figs with PEI Trade. Premium fresh figs (airfreight) and size-graded dried figs to EU, Gulf and Middle East buyers, with GLOBALG.A.P. handling, phytosanitary documentation, rapid cooling for fresh and aflatoxin-controlled dried. Contact: sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com