Import and Export in Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide to the Current Reality, Procedures, and Future Prospects
December 20, 2025
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Import and export represent the backbone of the Egyptian economy, playing a vital role in meeting the needs of the local market for goods and services, while simultaneously serving as a gateway for Egyptian products to reach global markets. This contributes to increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing foreign currency.
Egypt’s foreign trade continues to witness ongoing developments, driven by government efforts to facilitate procedures and support exporters, alongside a network of trade agreements that open wide horizons for Egyptian producers.
Egypt’s trade balance witnessed a significant improvement during 2023, as the deficit declined substantially compared to the previous year, driven by reduced imports and relative stability in merchandise exports.
Trade balance: The trade deficit declined sharply in 2023 to reach USD 36.9 billion, compared to USD 48.06 billion in 2022.
Merchandise exports: The value of Egyptian merchandise exports reached approximately USD 35.63 billion in 2023.
Merchandise imports: Imports declined noticeably by 14% in 2023, reaching USD 72.54 billion, compared to USD 83.2 billion in 2022, reflecting state efforts to rationalize imports and encourage local production.
Egyptian exports are diversified across multiple sectors that have demonstrated strong performance in global markets, led by:
Building materials: Topped the list with total exports of USD 8.78 billion in 2023.
Chemical products and fertilizers: Approximately USD 6.4 billion.
Food industries: Exports reached USD 5 billion.
Engineering and electronic goods: USD 4.3 billion.
Agricultural crops: USD 3.7 billion.
Ready-made garments: USD 2.4 billion.
Egyptian exports are diversified across multiple sectors that have demonstrated strong performance in global markets, led by:
Building materials: Topped the list with total exports of USD 8.78 billion in 2023.
Chemical products and fertilizers: Approximately USD 6.4 billion.
Food industries: Exports reached USD 5 billion.
Engineering and electronic goods: USD 4.3 billion.
Agricultural crops: USD 3.7 billion.
Ready-made garments: USD 2.4 billion.
Egypt maintains strong trade relations with many countries, with Arab, European, and Asian markets being the primary destinations for exports and sources of imports.
| Country | Export Value (2023) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | USD 2.94 billion |
| Saudi Arabia | USD 2.77 billion |
| United Arab Emirates | USD 2.20 billion |
| Italy | USD 2.10 billion |
| United States | USD 1.97 billion |
| Country | Import Value (2023) |
|---|---|
| China | USD 12.9 billion |
| United States | USD 5.4 billion |
| Saudi Arabia | USD 5.2 billion |
| Russia | USD 5.0 billion |
| Germany | USD 4.1 billion |
Foreign trade in Egypt is regulated by a set of laws and regulations aimed at market control, national economic protection, and trade facilitation.
Import and Export Law No. 118 of 1975 and its executive regulations form the main legislative framework. This is complemented by Importers Register Law No. 121 of 1982 and its amendments (including Law No. 7 of 2017 and Law No. 173 of 2023), which regulate import operations.
Additionally, the Customs Law plays a pivotal role in organizing procedures and collecting duties.
To legally engage in import or export activities, individuals and companies must be registered in the relevant registers at the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC).
Import activity for commercial purposes is not permitted without obtaining an import card. Registration is subject to detailed conditions that differ for individuals and companies.
Export activity is permitted only for those registered in the Exporters Register. Its requirements are simpler than those of the Importers Register.
Each shipment requires key documents for customs clearance, including:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading
Certificate of Origin
Form 4 (banking form for foreign payment)
Egypt launched the National Export Development Strategy, aiming to increase exports to USD 145 billion by 2030, based on digital transformation and exporter incentives.
The program was expanded in FY 2025/2026, with a doubled budget of EGP 45 billion, distributing support based on:
Value added: 50%
Export growth rate: 30%
Production capacity: 10%
Workforce size: 10%
Additional incentives include support for international exhibitions, shipping costs, market expansion, trademark registration, geographic incentives, and environmental compliance
Thirteen priority sectors were identified, including chemicals, engineering, agriculture, food industries, textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, furniture, building materials, printing and packaging, leather products, and handicrafts.
African markets receive special focus, with 50% additional support and 50% shipping cost coverage, aiming to raise exports to Africa to USD 20 billion by 2030.
Egypt is investing heavily in national projects to become a global logistics hub.
Suez Canal Economic Zone: Covers 460.6 km², includes 6 seaports and 4 industrial zones, and targets industries such as green fuel.
Port modernization: Includes Ain Sokhna, East Port Said (smart port), Alexandria, and Damietta. Ain Sokhna Port entered Guinness World Records as the deepest onshore port basin.
Logistics corridors and dry ports: Seven corridors and projects like October Dry Port to reduce clearance times.
Road network development: Nationwide upgrades to facilitate goods movement.
GOEIC: Ensures product quality, supports exporters, and promotes green economy compliance.
Egyptian Customs Authority: Implements automation, risk management, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.
Nafeza Platform: A national single-window system that reduced average customs clearance time by over 50%, saving approximately USD 400 per shipment.
GOEIC: Ensures product quality, supports exporters, and promotes green economy compliance.
Egyptian Customs Authority: Implements automation, risk management, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.
Nafeza Platform: A national single-window system that reduced average customs clearance time by over 50%, saving approximately USD 400 per shipment.
Import and export are core pillars of Egypt’s economy. In 2023, the trade deficit declined to USD 36.9 billion. Supported by an ambitious export strategy targeting USD 145 billion by 2030, Egypt is advancing through logistics development, digital transformation, and financial support.
Despite challenges, this integrated approach positions Egypt to achieve a qualitative leap in foreign trade and strengthen its role as a regional and global logistics hub.
