In 2024, Egypt continues to be the world’s largest exporter of waterpipe tobacco (maassel), accounting for 32% of total global exports, with a total export value of $127.4 million and an export volume of 27,000 tons. Egypt’s export growth was driven by its strong local production base, competitive pricing, and diversity of flavors. Iraq, Libya, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are its main markets, together accounting for 70% of its total exports.
Core Points to Watch:
- Export Position: Egypt maintains its position as the world’s largest exporter of hookah tobacco, with exports reaching 27,000 tons in 2024 and $127.4 million.
- Growth trends: Egypt’s hookah tobacco exports grow at an average annual rate of 7% in value and 4% in volume between 2020 and 2024.
- Key Markets: Iraq, Libya, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are Egypt’s main export markets for hookah tobacco, together accounting for 70% of its total exports.
- COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES: Egypt’s hookah tobacco exports benefit from a strong local production base, competitive pricing, diverse flavors, and relatively low production costs.
- Market Impact: Egypt’s hookah tobacco is experiencing rising demand in regional and international markets, solidifying its position as a global hub for hookah tobacco exports.
Egypt tops the world in hookah exports by 2024
Egypt maintained its position as the world’s largest exporter of hookah tobacco (maassel) in 2024, accounting for 32% of total global exports, with a total export value of $127.4 million and a volume of 27,000 tons, Daily News Egypt reported on 20 July.
According to the Food Export Council, Egypt’s maassel exports have shown steady growth in recent years, with an annual growth rate of 7% in value and 4% in volume between 2020 and 2024. Year-on-year growth in the value of its exports reached 15% from 2023 to 2024 alone, highlighting the rising demand for the product in regional and international markets.
The committee reported that Iraq became the largest market for Egyptian maassel in 2024, importing $32 million worth of hookah tobacco, accounting for 25% of Egypt’s total export value. Libya followed with imports of $24 million (19%), Syria with $14 million (11%), Saudi Arabia with $13 million (10%), and Kuwait with about $7 million (5%).
Together, these five countries accounted for about 70% of Egypt’s total maassel exports last year, underscoring the strong presence and competitiveness of Egyptian hookah tobacco in key regional markets.
The Food Export Council emphasized that Egypt’s continued strong performance reflects the strength of its local production capacity, the competitiveness of its pricing, and the diversity of flavors offered by Egyptian producers. These factors, combined with relatively low production costs, a skilled labor force, and institutional support, have enabled Egyptian maassel to maintain its leading position in both established and emerging markets.
The committee also noted that growing regional demand and the opening up of new export destinations have fueled this upward trend, further cementing Egypt’s position as a global hub for hookah tobacco exports.
