As Egypt continues to rely heavily on imported edible oils, new research from Oxford University warns that shifting away from sustainable palm oil could raise global environmental risks and food production costs.
Egypt currently imports around 98% of its edible oil needs, making food security a pressing national concern. Palm oil accounts for roughly 67% of the Egyptian market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2023. Replacing it with alternatives such as soybean or sunflower oil could significantly increase pressure on global forests and raise prices, according to leading data scientist Hannah Ritchie.
In her new book, Not the End of the World, Ritchie notes that palm oil is the most land-efficient vegetable oil crop, producing 2.8 tonnes per hectare—nearly 10 times more than olive oil. Substituting palm oil with less efficient crops would require up to 148 million additional hectares of land globally, driving deforestation and pushing food costs higher.
Malaysia, which supplied nearly 27% of Egypt’s palm oil imports in 2023, has emerged as a global leader in sustainable palm oil production. Through the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification, over 96% of the country’s production is now certified as sustainable. These practices help limit deforestation, protect biodiversity, and ensure responsible land management—critical factors in addressing climate change and ensuring long-term food stability.
The global narrative around palm oil is also shifting. While often blamed for forest loss, recent studies show that beef production now accounts for over 40% of global deforestation, while palm oil’s impact has declined due to improved sustainability standards.
With Egypt’s vegetable oil consumption expected to rise by 15% by 2030, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), maintaining a stable and sustainable supply will be essential. Strengthening international partnerships in sustainable palm oil can support Egypt’s Vision 2030 goals, delivering both environmental protection and affordable nutrition to Egyptian families.
As food prices rise and environmental concerns grow, the message is clear: sustainable palm oil is not just a global issue—it’s a national priority.
