Egypt has retained its position as the world’s largest exporter of shisha tobacco (maassel) in 2024, capturing 32% of global exports with a total value of $127.4m and an export volume of 27,000 tonnes.
According to the Food Export Council, Egypt’s maassel exports have recorded steady growth over recent years, increasing at an annual rate of 7% in value and 4% in volume between 2020 and 2024. The year-on-year growth from 2023 to 2024 alone reached 15% in value, underlining the product’s rising demand in regional and international markets.
The council reported that Iraq emerged as Egypt’s top maassel market in 2024, importing $32 million worth of shisha tobacco, representing 25% of Egypt’s total export value. Libya followed with imports worth $24m (19%), while Syria accounted for $14m (11%), Saudi Arabia for $13m (10%), and Kuwait for approximately $7m (5%).
Combined, these five countries represented about 70% of Egypt’s total maassel exports last year, underscoring the strong presence and competitiveness of Egyptian shisha tobacco in key regional markets.
The Food Export Council highlighted that Egypt’s sustained performance reflects the strength of its local production base, competitive pricing, and the diverse range of flavours offered by Egyptian producers. These factors, alongside relatively low production costs, skilled labour, and institutional support, have allowed Egyptian maassel to maintain a leading edge in both established and emerging markets.
The council also pointed to the role of growing regional demand and the opening of new export destinations in driving this upward trend, reinforcing Egypt’s status as a global hub for shisha tobacco exports.
