Egypt seeks greater access to Chinese markets amid trade gap

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the trade balance between Egypt and China in 2024 amounted to $17.378 billion. However, the ministry noted that the balance tilts sharply towards China, whose exports to Egypt in 2024 constituted 96 percent ($16.8 billion) of the trade balance as opposed to Egyptian exports, which comprised just 3.3 percent ($578 million).

Madbouly's remarks came during a meeting in Cairo with his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang to discuss strengthening cooperation in various fields further.

The Egyptian FM emphasised the high quality of Egyptian products and their strong presence in global markets in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

According to the Egyptian cabinet, he also said he looked forward to seeing specific Chinese industries move their operations to Egypt to enhance local production of finished goods rather than fully importing them from China.

Furthermore, Madbouly affirmed that the state stands ready to provide Chinese firms looking to set up manufacturing in Egypt with every form of support.