Egypt bans the export of fava beans for three months before Ramadan

The Egyptian official gazette published a decree from Trade and Industry Minister Nevine Gamea on Sunday banning the export of whole and split fava beans for a period of three months.

The decree limits exports to quantities in excess of local market needs, as assessed by the Ministry of Supply and Inland Trade and after approval by the Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The Official Gazette reported that the decree entered into force in early April.

Gamea said the decision to stop exporting beans was taken after consultation with the Minister of Supply and Inland Trade. It falls under the state’s plans to face the effects of the spread of the coronavirus and meet the needs of citizens, especially staple foods, in light of preparations for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

In Ramadan, bean consumption increases up to three times compared to other months, according to Gamea. Fava beans are one of the two main meals that Egyptian Muslims eat in Ramadan.

Total domestic production of whole and split fava beans only covers about 30 percent of domestic consumption, and about 70 percent of needs are imported from abroad, she added.

She said the decision to stop exporting fava beans strengthened strategic inventory, and Gamea said the previous decisions to stop exporting beans had done a significant part in stabilizing bean prices in the local market, which the Egyptian consumer had a positive effect on the sales price.

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