9 key updates on Egypt’s export drive

Egypt is pushing forward with a broad strategy to expand its role in global trade, reduce its import dependency, and strengthen foreign currency inflows. From settling arrears to exporters to cutting red tape at customs and targeting new markets, the government has laid out ambitious goals for the rest of the decade. Here are the most important updates shaping Egypt’s export landscape.

1. Export-to-GDP ratio targeted to double

Egypt’s export-to-GDP ratio currently sits below 10 percent, far lower than peer economies with similar industrial bases. The government now aims to double this figure as part of its broader plan to strengthen external trade, reduce reliance on imports, and stabilize foreign currency inflows.

2. Record export growth in 2024

Exports reached $45.3 billion in 2024, a 6.5 percent increase from 2023. The main driver was non-oil goods, which jumped 14.4 percent to $39.9 billion. This diversification is vital, as petroleum and electricity exports fell sharply by 29.1 percent to $5.5 billion, underscoring the need for a more resilient export structure.

3. Long-term target of $115 billion by 2030

Under the new Economic Development Narrative, Egypt aims to raise exports to $115.8 billion by 2030. This requires annual growth of around 20 percent, a highly ambitious pace that depends on expanding manufacturing, agriculture, ICT, tourism, and energy exports while also unlocking new markets.

4. Export support and arrears settlement

Liquidity for exporters remains a bottleneck. In September 2025, the government disbursed the first tranche of overdue payments to 601 companies worth EGP 368 million. With EGP 45 billion allocated in the current fiscal year—double the previous level—the new programme aims to reimburse exporters within three months, a critical step for competitiveness.

5. Trade system reforms to cut red tape

The Ministry of Investment and External Trade is rolling out 29 measures to reduce customs clearance time to two days, with a target of cutting this to hours. Additional reforms include streamlined licensing, a digital gateway for businesses, and stronger promotion of Egyptian products in African markets, where growth potential remains underutilized.

6. Aligning with global business benchmarks

Egypt aims to be ranked among the top 50 countries in the World Bank’s Business Readiness Report. Ten working groups and 36 sessions with the World Bank have already mapped reforms across legislative, procedural, and digital transformation pillars. This alignment is intended to provide a transparent framework for investors and exporters alike.

7. Product shifts driving export mix

Finished goods made up 54 percent of 2024 exports, a sign of gradual industrial upgrading. Standout categories included gold and platinum-coated raw forms (+77.7 percent), plastics (+27.3 percent), ready-made garments (+17.2 percent), and insulated wires (+23.6 percent). These shifts show how specific subsectors are capturing global demand niches.

8. Regional markets reshaping trade flows

Saudi Arabia was Egypt’s top export destination in 2024 with shipments up 31 percent to $3.5 billion, followed by Turkey, the UAE, and Italy. Arab countries collectively accounted for 36 percent of exports, while Western and Eastern Europe absorbed 44 percent combined. Stronger integration into Gulf and African markets could rebalance reliance on Europe.

9. Import pressures and trade deficit dynamics

Imports rose 13.2 percent to $95.3 billion in 2024, led by petroleum products (+38 percent). Yet Egypt’s trade deficit narrowed in mid-2025, falling 17.8 percent year-on-year in May to $3.4 billion. Sustaining this trend will require structural export growth rather than cyclical swings in imports.

Outlook

Egypt’s export ambitions are bold: doubling the export-to-GDP ratio, clearing arrears, and reaching $115 billion in export value by 2030. Success will depend on execution—streamlining customs, ensuring liquidity, scaling industrial production, and securing new markets. If reforms deliver, exports could evolve from a currency stabilizer into a long-term engine of growth.