Import and Export in Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide to the Current Reality, Procedures, and Future Prospects

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.

The Reality of Foreign Trade in Egypt (2023 Figures)

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.

Major Egyptian Exports (by Sector)

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.

Major Egyptian Imports (by Sector)

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.

Key Trading Partners (2023 Data)

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

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry

Top 5 Countries Exporting to Egypt

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

Source: Al Arabiya

Legal and Procedural Framework for Import and Export

Foreign trade in Egypt is regulated by a set of laws and regulations aimed at market control, national economic protection, and trade facilitation.

Governing Laws

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.

Conditions and Procedures for Registration in the Importers and Exporters Registers

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).

First: Registration in the Importers Register (Obtaining an Import Card)

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.

1. Conditions for Individuals (Natural Persons)

Nationality: The applicant must be an Egyptian national.
Capital: Minimum registered capital of EGP 500,000.
Business volume: At least EGP 2 million in the year preceding the application, based on an approved tax return.
Commercial experience: A minimum of two consecutive years of commercial activity, certified by the Chamber of Commerce.
Cash security: Deposit or unconditional bank guarantee of EGP 50,000.
Training: Completion of an accredited import training course.
Legal eligibility: No prior convictions involving dishonor, breach of trust, or economic crimes.

2. Conditions for Companies (Legal Entities)

Establishment: Head office must be in Egypt and registered in the Commercial Register.
Registration period: At least one year for partnerships and limited liability companies.
Capital:
EGP 2 million paid-up for partnerships and LLCs.
EGP 5 million issued for joint-stock companies and partnerships limited by shares.
Business volume: Minimum EGP 5 million in the last year.
Cash security: Deposit or bank guarantee of EGP 200,000.
Capital ownership: Law No. 173 of 2023 allows full foreign ownership of import companies.
Import manager: Must be an Egyptian national.

Second: Registration in the Exporters Register

Export activity is permitted only for those registered in the Exporters Register. Its requirements are simpler than those of the Importers Register.

1. Individuals (Sole Proprietorships)

Capital: Minimum EGP 10,000 for production projects and EGP 25,000 for other activities.
Training: Export practice certificate required.
Legal eligibility: No criminal convictions involving dishonor.
Fees: Initial registration fee of EGP 50.

2. Companies

Capital: Minimum EGP 20,000 for production projects and EGP 50,000 for other activities.
Training: A general partner or export manager must hold an export practice certificate.
Important note: Registration in both registers is valid for five years and must be renewed within 90 days prior to expiry to avoid penalties or removal.

Required Documents for Import and Export Operations

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)

National Export Development Strategy and Support Initiatives

Egypt launched the National Export Development Strategy, aiming to increase exports to USD 145 billion by 2030, based on digital transformation and exporter incentives.

Export Support and Burden Refund Program

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

Priority Sectors and Target Markets

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.

Infrastructure Development and Digital Transformation

Egypt is investing heavily in national projects to become a global logistics hub.

Key Projects

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.

Government Institutions and Digital Trade Facilitation

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.

Role of the Banking Sector

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.

International Trade Agreements

GAFTA: Boosted exports to Arab markets with a trade surplus in 2023.
COMESA: Duty-free access to 21 countries, raising trade to USD 5.8 billion.
EU–Egypt Partnership: Eliminated tariffs on industrial exports; EU trade volume reached USD 31.2 billion in 2023.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

Exchange rate volatility
Bureaucratic procedures
Limited promotion and technical barriers

Opportunities

Strategic geographic location
Advanced logistics infrastructure
Trade agreements
Diverse production base
Growing African markets

Executive Summary

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.

More Information

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Import and Export in Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide to the Current Reality, Procedures, and Future Prospects