Egypt’s trade at a glance

This page sets out Egypt’s trade data, its main export and import products and the procedures that govern trade with the country. For more detailed information or a specific market intelligence matter, please contact us.

Macroeconomic trade context

Annual trade volume, 2023

• Total trade: $145.2 billion (≈ EGP 4.5 trillion)
• Exports: $53.8 billion (EGP 1.67 trillion), up 9.8% from 2022
• Imports: $91.4 billion (EGP 2.83 trillion), up 12.5% from 2022
• Trade balance: a $37.6 billion deficit (EGP 1.16 trillion)
• Trade-to-GDP ratio: 45.3% (exports: 16.8% of GDP)
• Global rank: 61st largest exporter, 44th largest importer
• World export share: 0.26%
• Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP), EGP 1 ≈ $0.0323, $1 ≈ EGP 30.9 (official) and EGP 50+ (parallel market)
• Exchange rates: multiple rates with a significant parallel market premium until the 2023 unification

Export markets, 2023 ($53.8B / EGP 1.67T)

Import origins, 2023 ($91.4B / EGP 2.83T)

Export products in detail

A. Manufactured goods ($24.2B / EGP 750B, 45.0%)

Textiles and clothing: $8.6B / EGP 267B (16.0%)

• Ready-made garments, $5.8B / EGP 180B: cotton garments $3.2B, synthetic garments $1.9B, knitwear $0.7B
• Home textiles, $2.1B / EGP 65B: bed linen $1.1B, towels $0.6B, curtains $0.4B
• Yarn and fabrics: $0.7B / EGP 22B

Chemicals and petrochemicals: $6.4B / EGP 198B (11.9%)

• Fertilisers, $3.2B / EGP 99B: urea $1.9B, ammonia $0.8B, NPK fertilisers $0.5B
• Plastics and polymers, $1.9B / EGP 59B: PVC $0.8B, polyethylene $0.6B, other plastics $0.5B
• Other chemicals: $1.3B / EGP 40B

Engineering products: $5.3B / EGP 164B (9.9%)

• Cables and wires: $2.1B / EGP 65B
• Automotive parts: $1.6B / EGP 50B
• Household appliances: $1.1B / EGP 34B
• Other engineering: $0.5B / EGP 15B

Building materials: $3.2B / EGP 99B (5.9%)

• Cement: $1.9B / EGP 59B
• Ceramics and tiles: $0.8B / EGP 25B
• Glass products: $0.5B / EGP 15B

B. Agricultural products ($14.1B / EGP 437B, 26.2%)

Fruit and vegetables: $6.4B / EGP 198B (11.9%)

• Citrus fruit: $2.6B / EGP 81B (oranges: $1.6B)
• Potatoes: $1.3B / EGP 40B
• Onions and garlic: $0.8B / EGP 25B
• Grapes: $0.6B / EGP 19B
• Other fresh produce: $1.1B / EGP 34B

Processed foods: $4.3B / EGP 133B (8.0%)

• Fruit juices and concentrates: $1.6B / EGP 50B
• Dairy products: $1.1B / EGP 34B
• Pasta and bakery products: $0.8B / EGP 25B
• Other processed foods: $0.8B / EGP 25B

Field crops: $3.2B / EGP 99B (5.9%)

• Rice: $1.3B / EGP 40B
• Sugar: $0.8B / EGP 25B
• Wheat products: $0.6B / EGP 19B
• Other crops: $0.5B / EGP 15B

C. Mineral products ($8.6B / EGP 267B, 16.0%)

Petroleum products: $6.4B / EGP 198B (11.9%)

• Refined products, $5.3B / EGP 164B: diesel $2.1B, gasoline $1.6B, jet fuel $0.8B, other products $0.8B
• Crude oil: $1.1B / EGP 34B

Natural gas: $1.6B / EGP 50B (3.0%)

• LNG exports: from the Idku and Damietta LNG plants
• Pipeline gas: to Jordan and Israel

Other minerals: $0.6B / EGP 19B (1.1%)

• Phosphates: $0.3B / EGP 9B
• Iron and steel: $0.2B / EGP 6B
• Other: $0.1B / EGP 3B

D. Services exports ($6.9B / EGP 214B, 12.8%)

• Tourism: $4.8B / EGP 149B (2023 recovery)
• Suez Canal fees: $1.6B / EGP 50B
• ICT services: $0.5B / EGP 15B

Import products in detail

A. Energy products ($22.9B / EGP 710B, 25.0%)

Petroleum and products: $15.8B / EGP 490B

• Crude oil: $9.6B / EGP 298B
• Petroleum products: $6.2B / EGP 192B (imported despite domestic oil production, because of a refining mismatch)

Natural gas: $6.4B / EGP 198B

• LNG imports: $5.3B / EGP 164B
• Pipeline gas: $1.1B / EGP 34B (from Algeria and Israel)

Coal and other fuels: $0.7B / EGP 22B

B. Capital goods ($18.3B / EGP 567B, 20.0%)

Machinery and equipment: $10.7B / EGP 332B

• Industrial machinery: $5.3B / EGP 164B
• Agricultural machinery: $2.1B / EGP 65B
• Construction equipment: $1.6B / EGP 50B
• Other machinery: $1.7B / EGP 53B

Transport equipment: $7.6B / EGP 236B

• Passenger vehicles: $4.3B / EGP 133B (180,000 units)
• Commercial vehicles: $2.1B / EGP 65B
• Aircraft and parts: $1.1B / EGP 34B

C. Intermediate goods ($27.4B / EGP 849B, 30.0%)

Raw materials for industry: $13.7B / EGP 425B

• Iron and steel: $4.8B / EGP 149B
• Plastics in primary forms: $3.2B / EGP 99B
• Textile raw materials: $2.6B / EGP 81B
• Paper and paperboard: $1.6B / EGP 50B
• Other raw materials: $1.5B / EGP 46B

Chemicals: $9.1B / EGP 282B

• Organic chemicals: $4.3B / EGP 133B
• Pharmaceutical ingredients: $2.6B / EGP 81B
• Other chemicals: $2.2B / EGP 68B

Electronic components: $4.6B / EGP 143B

D. Consumer goods ($18.3B / EGP 567B, 20.0%)

Food and beverages: $12.2B / EGP 378B

• Wheat: $5.3B / EGP 164B (the world’s largest wheat importer)
• Corn: $2.6B / EGP 81B
• Vegetable oils: $1.6B / EGP 50B
• Sugar: $0.8B / EGP 25B
• Other foodstuffs: $1.9B / EGP 59B

• Pharmaceuticals: $3.7B / EGP 115B
• Electronics and appliances: $1.8B / EGP 56B
• Other consumer goods: $0.6B / EGP 19B

E. Services and other imports ($4.6B / EGP 143B, 5.0%)

Trade procedures and regulations: a deep dive

A. Customs declaration process

Regulatory framework

• Primary authority: the Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA)
• Legal basis: Customs Law 207/2020 and Investment Law 72/2017
• Trade agreements: the COMESA Free Trade Area (since 1998), the Agadir Agreement (with Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and multiple bilateral agreements
• Currency: a managed float with Central Bank interventions

Importer registration

1. Commercial register: from the Ministry of Trade and Industry
2. Tax card: from the Egyptian Tax Authority
3. Import/export code: from the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC)
4. Chamber of Commerce membership: required for most businesses
5. Bank account: for foreign currency transactions

Commodity registration (GOEIC)

• Mandatory for 152 HS codes, including food, chemicals and electronics
• Registration is valid for 3 years
• Requires product testing and factory inspection
• Annual renewal for some products

Standard import timeline

Expedited procedures

• Green channel: 24–48 hours for trusted traders (AEOs)
• Express cargo: 2–4 days at airports
• Pre-clearance: available for regular importers

Mandatory documents for imports

1. Commercial invoice (in Arabic or English, 3 copies)
2. Bill of lading or air waybill (original plus 2 copies)
3. Certificate of origin (legalised by the Egyptian consulate)
4. Packing list
5. Import declaration (Customs Form 11)
6. GOEIC certificate (for regulated products)
7. Health or phytosanitary certificates (where applicable)
8. Certificate of analysis (for chemicals and food)
9. Insurance certificate
10. Copy of the importer’s tax card
11. Import licence (for restricted goods)
12. Payment documents (letter of credit, proof of bank transfer)

Special requirements

• Halal certification: required for meat products
• Age restrictions: used vehicles no older than 3 years
• Standards compliance: Egyptian standards (EOS) for many products
• Labelling: Arabic mandatory, other languages optional

B. Taxation and duties

Customs duties: tariff structure

• General rate: 2–40% (average 16.7%)
• Preferential rates: under various FTAs
• Temporary reductions: for strategic goods
• Additional surcharges: multiple fees apply

Common and special duty rates

Value added tax (VAT)

• Standard rate: 14%
• Zero rate: exports and international transport
• Exempt: some basic foodstuffs and unprocessed agricultural products
• Registration threshold: EGP 500,000 annual turnover
• VAT on imports: due on customs clearance

Customs processing fees

• Customs service fee: 1–2% of CIF value
• Development fee: 1% for port development
• Statistical fee: 1%
• Port and airport fees: 0.5–2%

Special taxes

• Stamp duty: 0.4% on commercial documents
• Municipal tax: 1% on certain imports
• Social insurance surcharge: 1% on some goods
• Environmental fees: on polluting products

Investment law benefits

• Investment Law 72/2017: tax holidays of up to 7 years
• Golden Licence: full exemptions for strategic projects
• Free zones: customs duty exemption
• Temporary admission: for exhibitions and samples

Sector-specific exemptions

• Agricultural equipment: duty-free
• Medical equipment: reduced duties
• Renewable energy: reduced duties on equipment
• Tourism projects: equipment exemptions

C. Foreign exchange regulations

Exchange rate system

• Managed float: since 2016, with periodic devaluations
• Central Bank role: the CBE intervenes to manage volatility
• Import financing: through the banking system
• Documentation: required for all foreign currency transactions

Import financing requirements

• Documentary collection: the most common method
• Letters of credit: required for some goods
• Advance payment: limited to 30% without CBE approval
• Payment terms: a maximum of 180 days from shipment

Export proceeds

• Mandatory repatriation: within 90 days
• Banking system: all transactions go through authorised banks
• Documentation: export contracts and invoices required
• Incentives: various export subsidy programmes

D. Special procedures

Pre-shipment inspection

• Applies to imports from certain countries: China, India, Türkiye and the UAE
• Approved companies: COTECNA, Bureau Veritas and SGS
• Verification areas: price, quantity, quality and conformity with standards
• Clean Report of Findings (CRF): required for customs clearance

Temporary admission

• For exhibitions and professional equipment
• Requires a bank guarantee (100% of duties)
• Maximum 12 months
• Extensions possible with justification

Free zones and special economic zones

• Public free zones: 10 zones (Alexandria, Port Said, Suez and others)
• Private free zones: company-specific zones
• Special economic zone: the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone)
• Benefits: customs duty exemption, VAT exemption, corporate tax holidays and simplified procedures

Manufacturing-in-bond

• For export-oriented production
• Duty suspension on imported inputs
• Requirements: at least 80% exported, a bank guarantee and regular reporting to customs
• Benefits: better cash flow and competitive pricing

E. Sector-specific regulations

Food and agricultural products

• Ministry of Agriculture approval: required for all imports
• GOEIC registration: mandatory for 35+ food categories
• Health certificates: from the country of origin
• Halal certification: for meat products from approved slaughterhouses
• Labelling: Arabic mandatory, with expiry date and ingredients

Pharmaceutical products

• Ministry of Health registration: a 12–18 month process
• GMP certification: required from the manufacturing country
• Price control: the government sets maximum prices
• Bioequivalence studies: required for generics
• Distribution: through licensed pharmacies only

Textiles and clothing

• GOEIC registration: mandatory
• Quality standards: Egyptian standards (EOS) apply
• Labelling: fibre content and care instructions in Arabic
• Country of origin: must be clearly marked
• Safety standards: especially for children’s clothing

Automotive sector

• Ministry of Trade approval: for import licences
• Age restrictions: used vehicles no older than 3 years
• Emission standards: Euro 5 compliance required
• Safety standards: international standards enforced
• Local assembly: incentives for CKD imports

Electronics and electrical equipment

• GOEIC registration: mandatory for 67 HS codes
• Type approval: NTRA for telecom equipment
• Safety standards: Egyptian standards (EOS) apply
• Energy efficiency: labels required for appliances
• Warranty: at least 1 year

F. Digital systems and automation

Nafeza single window system

• Implementation: fully operational since 2021
• Coverage: all ports and border crossings
• Features: electronic declaration, risk management and integration with 28 government agencies
• Benefits: shorter clearance times and more transparency

Advance Cargo Information (ACI)

• Implementation: mandatory for all imports since 2021
• Process: submit documents 48 hours before the shipment departs
• Benefits: pre-arrival processing and shorter dwell times
• Platform: the Nafeza portal

Digital platforms

• Customs portal: declarations, payments and tracking
• GOEIC portal: product registration
• Egyptian Tax Authority portal: tax payments
• CBE portal: foreign exchange transactions

Electronic payment systems

• Customs e-payment: through banks and electronic platforms
• Mobile payments: available for some fees
• Integration: with government treasury systems
• Real-time processing: for trusted traders

API and integration services

• Web services: for system-to-system integration
• EDI: EDIFACT standards supported
• Mobile apps: for tracking and notifications
• Blockchain pilot: for verification of certificates of origin

Trade agreements network

Major free trade agreements

COMESA Free Trade Area

• Members: 21 African countries
• Coverage: duty-free for COMESA-originating goods
• Rules of origin: at least 35% value added
• Egypt’s role: a major manufacturing hub for COMESA

Agadir Agreement

• Partners: Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia
• Coverage: industrial goods and some agricultural products
• Rules: pan-Euro-Mediterranean accumulation
• Benefits: cumulation with EU agreements

Egypt–EU Association Agreement

• In force since: 2004
• Coverage: industrial goods duty-free, agricultural concessions
• Rules of origin: product-specific and value-added
• Trade volume: €28 billion a year

Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ)

• With the United States: since 2004
• Coverage: duty-free access to the US market
• Requirements: at least 10.5% Israeli content plus Egyptian value added
• Benefits: $1.2 billion in annual exports to the US

Bilateral agreements

1. EFTA countries: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
2. Türkiye: a free trade agreement since 2007
3. MERCOSUR: a preferential trade agreement
4. United Kingdom: a post-Brexit continuity agreement

African and Arab integration

• AfCFTA: ratified, implementing rules of origin
• Tripartite FTA: COMESA–EAC–SADC integration
• GAFTA: the Greater Arab Free Trade Area
• Arab-Mediterranean agreements: with Arab countries

Preferential schemes

• EU GSP+: enhanced preferences for sustainable development
• US GSP: the Generalized System of Preferences
• UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme
• China special preferences: for African countries

Major trade infrastructure

Ports (annual tonnage)

Suez Canal (2023)

• Transit volume: 1.4 billion tons a year
• Container ships: 24% of traffic
• Tankers: 28% of traffic
• Revenue: $9.4 billion

Logistics platforms

Dry ports and logistics centres

• 6th of October Dry Port: near Cairo, rail-connected
• Sadat City Logistics Centre: central Delta region
• 10th of Ramadan Logistics Zone: connected to the industrial city
• Alexandria Logistics Park: port-adjacent facilities

Special economic zones

• Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone): 461km², with multiple industrial zones
• Technology Valley: ICT and high-tech manufacturing
• Golden Triangle: mining and mineral processing

Transport infrastructure

• Rail network: 5,085km, connecting the major ports to the hinterland
• Road network: 137,000km, of which 50,000km paved
• Inland waterways: 3,500km (Nile navigation)
• Airports: 34 airports, 10 of them international (including Cairo, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor and Alexandria)

Border crossing points

Land borders

• Libya: Salloum crossing
• Sudan: Argeen and Qustul crossings
• Israel: Rafah (limited) and Taba (tourist)
• Gaza: Rafah crossing (humanitarian)

Maritime connections

• Ferry routes: to Saudi Arabia and Jordan
• Ro-ro services: vehicle transport to the Gulf countries
• Container services: global connectivity through the major shipping lines

Emerging trends and future developments

Suez Canal expansion and development

• Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone): $8.2 billion of investment
• East Port Said development: a $1.5 billion expansion
• Technology Valley: a $1.8 billion ICT hub
• Canal capacity expansion: ongoing dredging and widening

Green energy transition

• 2030 renewable energy target: 42% of the electricity mix
• Benban Solar Park: 1.8GW capacity (the world’s 4th largest)
• Wind energy: 1.4GW operational, 2.4GW under development
• Green hydrogen: multiple projects in the SCZone
• Electric vehicles: local assembly incentives

Digital transformation

• Digital Egypt strategy: $1.6 billion of investment
• E-commerce growth: 30% a year
• Fintech development: a regulatory framework is in place
• Government digitalisation: 100+ services online

Manufacturing and export development

• National export strategy: targeting $100 billion of exports by 2030
• Automotive industry: a localisation roadmap
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: becoming a regional hub
• Textile industry modernisation: a $3 billion investment plan

Regional integration

• AfCFTA implementation: a national strategy for African markets
• COMESA integration: strengthening regional value chains
• Arab trade connectivity: improving logistics with the Gulf
• East Mediterranean gas hub: energy cooperation

Food security initiatives

• National project for agricultural development: 1.5 million feddans of land reclamation
• Vertical farming: technology adoption
• Wheat storage capacity: increasing to a 6-month reserve
• Food processing investment: a $5 billion target

Key contacts and resources

Government agencies

1. Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA): customs.gov.eg, phone +202 2574 8100, email info@customs.gov.eg, 5 Adly Street, Cairo
2. General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC): goeic.gov.eg
3. Ministry of Trade and Industry: mti.gov.eg
4. General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI): gafi.gov.eg

Business organisations

1. Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI): fei.org.eg
2. Egyptian Chamber of Commerce: fedcoc.org
3. Egyptian Exporters Association (Expolink): expolink.org
4. American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt: amcham.org.eg

Statistical and market resources

1. Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS): capmas.gov.eg
2. Central Bank of Egypt (CBE): cbe.org.eg
3. Trade Map Egypt: trademap.org
4. World Bank Egypt trade portal: doingbusiness.org/egypt

Practical guidance for traders

For exporters to Egypt

1. Use the Nafeza system: submit ACI 48 hours before shipment
2. Document preparation: ensure GOEIC registration where required
3. Payment security: use secure payment methods
4. Local representation: recommended for navigating regulations
5. Standards compliance: meet Egyptian standards (EOS)

For importers from Egypt

1. Quality control: pre-shipment inspection is recommended
2. Documentation: ensure all certificates are valid
3. Payment terms: flexible, depending on the relationship
4. Logistics planning: consider multiple port options

Economic impact and strategic position

Trade balance dynamics

• Structural deficit: a persistent trade imbalance
• Import dependence: food, energy and capital goods
• Export growth: manufacturing and agriculture increasing
• Services surplus: tourism and the Suez Canal partly offset the goods deficit

Global strategic importance

1. Suez Canal: 12% of global trade passes through it
2. Regional manufacturing hub: the largest industrial base in the Arab world
3. Agricultural producer: a major exporter of fruit and vegetables
4. Energy transit: LNG export infrastructure and pipeline networks
5. Geographic position: a bridge between Africa, Asia and Europe

Competitiveness indicators

• Global competitiveness: 93rd worldwide (WEF)
• Ease of doing business: 114th worldwide (World Bank)
• Logistics performance: 67th worldwide (World Bank LPI)
• Corruption perception: 108th worldwide (Transparency International)

Challenges and vulnerabilities

1. Currency depreciation: the significant impact of devaluation
2. Foreign exchange shortages: periodic crises
3. Subsidy burden: food and energy subsidies strain the budget
4. Bureaucratic hurdles: still complex despite reforms
5. Infrastructure gaps: outside the major urban centres
6. Population pressure: 105 million people, growing 2% a year

Opportunities

1. Regional integration: AfCFTA and Arab market access
2. Renewable energy: exceptional solar and wind potential
3. Digital transformation: a young, tech-savvy population
4. Tourism recovery: post-pandemic growth potential
5. Manufacturing hub: competitive labour and a strategic location

Note: this analysis is indicative of the state of Egyptian trade as of early 2024. The landscape continues to evolve, particularly in response to geopolitical change, digital transformation and sustainability imperatives.