A press release issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Sunday said that Egyptian exports to Canada increased by 35% at the end of 2016, compared to 2015. The statement said Egyptian exports to Canada amounted to $780m at the end of 2016, up from $580m in 2015.

It noted that imports from Canada fell by 25% in 2016 to settle at $250.5m.

The trade balance surplus is in favour of Egypt, standing at $529.5m, according to the ministry.

Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service Office (ECS) Ahmed Antar said that 2016 saw a boom in the Egyptian exports to Canada, especially carpets, garments, and food products, including oranges, onions, and medicinal herbs.

He added that a number of Egyptian goods appeared for the first time the Canadian market during 2016, including onions and lemons.

Egypt’s orange exports to Canada registered a growth of 500% in 2016, compared to 2015.

Antar noted that exports of so-called Egyptian “black honey” to Canada witnessed growth by 240% in 2016 compared to 2015.