Q4 (October–December) is when Egypt’s citrus season is contracted and opened. Lemons ship from the end of September. Navel contracts start in early November, and Navel exports open when the Export Council announces the opening (15 December in each of the last two seasons). Mandarin exports open with the Council’s announcement, early to mid December. Valencia starts in January.
Last updated: October 2026
This guide sits under our full Egyptian produce seasons calendar.
Q4 at a Glance: What’s Available October–December
| Product | October | November | December | Notes for buyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oranges (Navel) | — | Contracts from early November | Exports open with the Export Council’s announcement | 15 December in each of the last two seasons; Valencia from January |
| Mandarins | — | — | Exports open early to mid December | Opening set by the Export Council’s announcement |
| Lemons | Shipping | Shipping | Shipping | Lemons ship from the end of September |
| Dates | Fresh harvest | Peak (Siwi, Medjool) | Strong | Ramadan buyers book in Q4 |
| Pomegranate | Peak Wonderful | Season closes | — | Last full month is October |
| Mango | Late Keitt | — | — | Final shipments early October |
| Sweet potatoes | Peak | Peak | Strong | Beauregard for EU programmes |
| Winter vegetables | Begin | Volume builds | Full range | Tomatoes, peppers, green beans, spinach, cabbage |
| Fresh strawberries | — | Season opens | Volume (air + sea) | Nov–Mar window |
| Potatoes | Autumn crop | Autumn crop | — | Spring crop from January |
Month by Month
October: The Handover Month
The last Keitt mango leaves in the first days of the month, pomegranate hits peak Wonderful volume, and the date harvest is in full swing. Lemons are shipping, sweet potato is at its best, and the first winter vegetables begin cutting.
November: Dates Peak, Navel Contracts Open
November belongs to dates at peak availability, when Ramadan programmes are typically contracted. Navel contracts start in early November; ship dates are confirmed only after the Export Council announces the opening. Fresh strawberries start, mostly by air early on, and winter vegetables build volume.
December: Citrus Exports Open
Navel exports open when the Export Council announces the opening (15 December in each of the last two seasons), and Navel quality is best early in the season. Mandarin exports open with the Council’s announcement, early to mid December. The full winter vegetable basket is available. See our guide to winter citrus programmes.
Mixed Containers in Q4
There is no fixed mix. Each mixed container is built around the buyer’s request, and each combination is agreed case by case against the carrying temperature and ventilation each product needs, then confirmed after approval.
Products buyers ask to combine in Q4 include dates, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, guava, mandarins, lemons and winter vegetables. Whether any of them share a container is decided per request.
| Case | Rule |
|---|---|
| Oranges with mandarins or lemons | Not loaded together |
| Oranges with any other product | On request, subject to approval |
| Oranges on their own | Full 40 ft reefer only (1,664 cartons of 15 kg = 24.96 t), including trial orders |
More on how requests are handled in our mixed produce containers guide.
Booking Timing for Q4 Shipments
- Navel oranges: contracts from early November; exports start only when the Export Council announces the opening. Minimum order is a full 40 ft reefer, even for a trial.
- Dates: for Ramadan retail programmes, contract in October–November while the full grade range is available.
- Pomegranate: October is the last full month.
- Strawberries: air programmes need notice; sea programmes are built from December onward.
- Winter vegetables: flexible outside holiday peaks.
Delivery terms: CFR / CIF to your port, or FOB Egypt.
FAQ
When does Egyptian citrus start shipping?
Lemons ship from the end of September. Navel exports open when the Export Council announces the opening (15 December in each of the last two seasons), with contracts from early November. Mandarin exports open when the Export Council announces the opening of the season (early to mid December). Valencia starts in January.
Are Egyptian dates available for Ramadan programmes?
Yes. Q4 is the contracting window, with the widest choice of variety, grade and packing.
Can oranges go in a mixed container?
Oranges are never loaded with mandarins or lemons. Any other mixed container that includes oranges is on request, subject to approval. Otherwise oranges ship in full 40 ft reefers, including trial orders.
Can I combine citrus and winter vegetables in one container?
Each mix is agreed per request against the temperature and ventilation each product needs, and confirmed after approval. Oranges are never loaded with mandarins or lemons.
Ask for today’s price for Q4
Tell us your arrival window, products, packing and destination port, and ask for today’s price. Email: [email protected]