Egypt
Source from Egypt's manufacturing and export sectors.
Egypt is North Africa's largest economy and a pivotal trade corridor linking Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab world, and Europe via the Suez Canal. Its manufacturing base covers textiles, processed foods, chemicals, and building materials, while the government actively invests in industrial zones and export promotion initiatives.
Top trading sectors in Egypt
Sourcing advantages in Egypt
- Suez Canal position — transit route for approximately 12% of global seaborne trade
- Low-cost manufacturing base for textiles, garments, and chemicals
- QIZ and COMESA agreements providing preferential access to the US and 21 African countries
Trade & compliance notes
Egyptian exports to the US benefit from the QIZ protocol (requiring 10.5% Israeli input content); EAS conformity marks are required for many products; Arabic documentation is required for customs clearance.
Frequently asked questions
What trade programmes benefit Egyptian exporters?
The Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) protocol lets Egyptian textiles and garments enter the US duty-free provided they contain a set share of Israeli input content, and COMESA membership opens preferential access to 21 African markets. An EU–Egypt Association Agreement further eases trade with Europe.
What should I know about importing from or into Egypt?
Many products require registration with GOEIC and Egyptian conformity (EOS/EAS) marks, and Arabic-language documentation is needed for customs clearance. Importers must also work with authorised entities under Egypt's product-registration decree.
Why is Egypt a strategic trade corridor?
The Suez Canal carries roughly 12% of global seaborne trade, and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) offers incentives for export-oriented manufacturing in textiles, chemicals, and building materials. Alexandria and Port Said are the country's leading seaports.