Lower Egypt to open cotton collection centres from mid-October as Giza 97 trials advance

Cotton-growing governorates in Lower Egypt are preparing to launch this season's trading system and open seed-cotton collection centres from mid-October, Al-Mal newspaper reported on 6 October. The move brings the Delta crop into the market after the season's first auctions were held in Upper Egypt earlier this month.

According to the report, the start of collection coincides with wider harvesting and trial work at research stations of the Cotton Research Institute, part of the Agricultural Research Centre. Sources quoted by Al-Mal said the Giza varieties are performing well this season.

• Giza 94 accounts for the largest planted area.
• Giza 92 is suited to high-quality spinning.
• Giza 93 and Giza 96 are extra-long-staple varieties aimed at export markets.
• Giza 97, a newer variety, is being harvest-tested at the Gemmeiza research station.

Al-Mal reported that Giza 97 matures early and offers higher yields, a higher lint percentage and better fibre strength and softness. Researchers at the station also stressed the work of preserving the genetic purity of Egyptian varieties, according to the report. Dr Walid Yahya, director of the Cotton Research Institute, was cited as directing continued support and development of the production system.

The 2026/27 season is run under a trading framework set by a joint decision of the Ministries of Investment and Foreign Trade and of Agriculture, published in September. An executive committee sets auction opening prices and supervises collection centres.

What it means for Egyptian exporters

The opening of Delta collection centres marks the point when most of the new crop, including the extra-long-staple Giza 93 and Giza 96, starts moving to ginners, spinners and exporters. Mills and yarn exporters planning 2027 programmes for European and US buyers should watch the Lower Egypt auction prices closely, as they set raw-material costs for premium Egyptian cotton products. If Giza 97 confirms its early maturity and yield gains, it could help widen supply of long-staple fibre for local spinning.