Egyptian Swiss Group Diversifies Shipping Lines and Expands into New Markets to Navigate Global Logistics Disruptions

Weam Kandil: Resumption of Trade with Sudan Boosts Demand for Egyptian Food Exports

Weam Kandil, Logistics and International Shipping Manager at Egyptian Swiss Group for Pasta, Milling and Concentrates, said the group is adopting alternative solutions to address disruptions in global shipping, including diversifying shipping lines, absorbing additional transportation costs, and expanding into new export markets to ensure the uninterrupted flow of Egyptian food products to international customers without passing on extra costs.

Kandil explained that wars and geopolitical tensions have caused severe congestion at major transshipment hubs, delaying shipments and forcing some shipping lines to take longer routes via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing both transit times and transportation costs.

She added that the group is responding to these challenges by securing alternative shipping services, even when they come at higher costs, while absorbing the price differences to maintain reliable deliveries and protect customers from financial losses. The group is also utilizing overland transportation wherever feasible.

Kandil emphasized that the current crisis is global rather than specific to Egypt, noting that flexibility in shipping and logistics management has become essential to maintaining the competitiveness of Egyptian exports amid persistent supply chain disruptions.

Expansion into New Export Markets

Kandil revealed that the group is working to strengthen its exports to the United States, enter new markets in China, and begin exporting to the Dominican Republic in Latin America, as part of a broader strategy to diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on regions affected by geopolitical conflicts.

She highlighted the resumption of trade with Sudan as one of the most significant positive developments in recent months, noting that the Sudanese market is absorbing substantial volumes of Egyptian food products, helping stimulate exports and create additional growth opportunities.

Kandil also pointed to the continued shipment of food products destined for Palestine, including consignments associated with the World Food Programme (WFP), as part of the group’s ongoing activities in international markets.

She noted that the final quarter of the year typically brings additional pressure on freight rates, vessel availability, and cargo movements. Nevertheless, the group continues to maintain solid business activity, with new customer inquiries and requests for food shipment contracts.

Government Support for Exports

Kandil stressed that the challenges facing the logistics sector are largely driven by global conditions and cannot be resolved through domestic measures alone. At the same time, she praised the Egyptian government’s efforts to support exporters.

She explained that export rebate programs, financial assistance covering shipping and product-related costs, as well as customs facilitation measures, contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of Egyptian exports and enabling companies to expand into international markets.

Kandil concluded that the group’s immediate priority is to maintain consistent shipment schedules and fulfill its commitments to customers, while capitalizing on opportunities in emerging export markets to offset the impact of regional disruptions on international trade.