Egypt considers adjusting protective measures on imports of hot-rolled steel

The proposal provides for their continuation and a gradual reduction in the duty rate

Egypt may amend its safeguard measures on hot-rolled coil imports announced in September 2025 for 200 days, SteelOrbis reports, citing sources.

The Trade Measures Department of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Trade recently proposed adjusting trade restrictions by introducing them for three years with a gradual reduction in the duty rate and minimum barrier.

In September, Egypt imposed a temporary safeguard duty on imports of hot-rolled flat products until April 1, 2026, at a rate of 13.6% of the CIF value or a minimum of 3,673 Egyptian pounds per ton. The government took this step amid a significant increase in imports of these products, which grew by 31% y/y in 2024 and by 116% compared to 2021.

According to the latest proposal, the tax will be gradually reduced over the next three years from 13.6% in the first year to 13% in the second and 12.5% in the third. In addition, the minimum threshold will be reduced from 3,673 Egyptian pounds/ton – to 3,511 and then 3,376, respectively. The final decision will be made after comments are received.

It should be recalled that last fall, Egypt announced a new stimulus package to support and expand local production of rolled products – cold-rolled, galvanized, and pre-painted steel sheets and coils. It is designed to reduce lead times, lower initial costs, and mitigate risks for investors, and comes amid growing attention to industrial self-reliance and import substitution.