Competitiveness Indicators of Egyptian Grape Exports in its Most Important Foreign Markets

The grape crop is considered one of the most important export crops for Egypt, as it attracts foreign currency into the Egyptian economy. Egyptian grape exports face fierce competition in global foreign markets, which leads to fluctuations in export quantities over time and a loss of competitiveness in favor of its competitors. This study aims to shed light on the competitiveness of its exports in the most important global importing markets during the period (2010-2023). To achieve its objectives, the study relied on both descriptive and quantitative analysis methods, using statistical techniques such as the arithmetic mean and general time trend. Published data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Economic Affairs Sector, the United Nations trade database, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations were used. The research concluded that Egypt holds a high market share in the UK market, with a percentage of 8.4%, while Egypt ranked last among other competing countries in the Dutch market with an average share of 5.2% during the study period. It was also found that there is a price-related comparative advantage in both the UK and Dutch markets. Additionally, the value of the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and the Export Strength Index (ESI) were found to exceed one, confirming that Egyptian grapes have a comparative advantage and competitive capacity in foreign markets. Egyptian grape exports were strong in the Dutch, UK, German, Saudi, and Russian markets, respectively, which requires efforts to increase exports in these markets. The study recommends taking advantage of the competitive price of Egyptian grape exports, as it outperforms in both the UK and Dutch markets. It also suggests studying the factors that have contributed to the market share increase of South Africa as a competitor to Egypt in the UK and Dutch markets.