Promote:
Export from Egypt
A short guide for companies selling from Egypt: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Egypt sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$51.4 billion
Merchandise exports were US$51.39 billion in 2025, as Egypt reported to UN Comtrade; the flow includes any re-exports.
Source: UN Comtrade, Egypt exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$34.1 billion
Services exports were US$34.07 billion in 2025, as the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data record them, with travel the largest category.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC services exports, Egypt (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Gold (HS 7108)US$7.6 billion
- 2. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$3.38 billion
- 3. Insulated wire and cable (HS 8544)US$1.85 billion
- 4. Nitrogen fertilizers (HS 3102)US$1.67 billion
- 5. Citrus fruit (HS 0805)US$1.12 billion
- 6. Crude oil (HS 2709)US$997 million
- 7. Men's suits and trousers (HS 6203)US$954.6 million
- 8. Cement (HS 2523)US$837.3 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Copper wire (HS 7408)US$798.8 million
- 10. Monitors and projectors (HS 8528)US$750.7 million
- 11. Frozen fruit (HS 0811)US$732 million
- 12. T-shirts and knit tops (HS 6109)US$727.7 million
- 13. Prepared food products (HS 2106)US$635.1 million
- 14. Women's suits and dresses (HS 6204)US$612.8 million
- 15. Polyacetals and epoxy resins (HS 3907)US$597.3 million
- 16. Steel bars and rods (HS 7214)US$552.8 million
- 17. Flat-rolled steel (HS 7208)US$530.3 million
- 18. Potatoes (HS 0701)US$524.1 million
- 19. Natural phosphates (HS 2510)US$512.5 million
- 20. Dried beans and legumes (HS 0713)US$471.1 million
- Gold and refined petroleum products together make 21.4 percent of 2025 export value, so the top of this list reflects metals and fuels. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Egypt reported no re-export flow to UN Comtrade for 2025, so flow X may include re-exports that cannot be separated. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Egypt exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- United Arab Emirates13.7%
- Italy7.9%
- Türkiye6.4%
- Saudi Arabia5.8%
- United States5.3%
- Switzerland3.4%
- United Kingdom3.1%
- Libya2.9%
- The groupings left out of the destinations list, such as ship and aircraft fuel, make 2.0 percent of 2025 exports; they are in the total. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Egypt reports calendar-year totals to UN Comtrade, so they differ from national fiscal-year trade figures. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Egypt exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks citrus fruit, men's suits and trousers and frozen fruit as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Egypt’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Egypt exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of April 15, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Prepared food products grew 173% from 2024 to 2025; frozen fruit grew 72% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Egypt exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of April 15, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement
Egyptian goods that meet AfCFTA origin rules can enter participating African markets at reduced tariffs.
Preferential trade began in October 2022 under the Guided Trade Initiative, so check each importing country's own schedule.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
COMESA Free Trade Area
Egyptian goods that meet COMESA origin rules enter members that apply the exemption, and 15 members give full exemption.
Eritrea and Ethiopia give partial exemption, Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia give none, and Uganda keeps a sensitive list.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area
The agreement links COMESA, EAC and SADC markets, and Egypt has deposited its instrument of ratification.
Whether Egypt applies tripartite tariff schedules and origin rules to a given partner is not confirmed here.
Source: SADC, Tripartite Free Trade Area entry into force, July 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of July 24, 2024
Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA)
Egyptian goods can enter other Arab members duty free under the agreement and its Arab rules of origin.
The agreement excludes banned goods and goods made in free zones, and Iraq has suspended applying it.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 12 more agreements
Egypt-European Union Association Agreement
Egyptian industrial goods enter the European Union without duty, and 95 percent of farm goods are liberalized.
Euro-Mediterranean rules of origin apply, so a certificate is needed to claim the preference.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United Kingdom-Egypt Association Agreement
Its terms match the European Union agreement for industrial and farm goods between Egypt and the United Kingdom.
Tariff quotas in the farm annexes limit some goods, and origin rules must be met.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Egypt-EFTA Free Trade Agreement
Egyptian industrial goods enter Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein free of customs restrictions.
Farm goods are treated bilaterally under separate lists with each country.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Egypt-Türkiye Free Trade Agreement
Egyptian industrial goods enter Türkiye without customs or non-tariff restrictions.
Euro-Mediterranean origin rules apply, and farm goods get only partial access.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Agadir Agreement
Egyptian goods enter Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia free of customs duties, with origin cumulation available.
Effective application began on March 27, 2007, and Euro-Mediterranean origin rules apply.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Egypt-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement
Egyptian goods enter Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay at preferential rates that fall over ten years.
A group of sensitive goods is excluded, and Mercosur origin rules apply.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Egypt-Serbia Free Trade Agreement
Tariffs on industrial, farm and fish goods are being removed in stages under lists attached to the agreement.
Some goods are excluded as sensitive, and Euro-Mediterranean origin rules apply.
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, trade agreements (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP)
GOEIC lists Egypt as a GSTP member, with a certificate of origin and a 50 percent local value-added rule.
Rules-based preference, so check which partners apply it to your goods.
Source: GOEIC, agreement countries and origin certificate forms (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), as a beneficiary
GOEIC lists Egypt among GSP beneficiary countries, and goods use a Form A certificate of origin.
GOEIC's list is generic, and the United Kingdom's scheme excludes Egypt, so confirm the importing country's scheme names Egypt before you claim.
Source: GOEIC, agreement countries and origin certificate forms (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Developing Countries Trading Scheme
The United Kingdom's Developing Countries Trading Scheme does not list Egypt, which trades with the United Kingdom under its association agreement.
The scheme excludes countries that are not least developed and hold a trade agreement with the United Kingdom.
Source: United Kingdom Government, trading scheme preference tiers, June 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) program of the United States
Egypt's QIZ Unit registers qualifying companies and reviews their exports and imports each quarter.
Check the current United States tariff treatment and program rules before you price.
Source: Egypt QIZ Unit, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
AGOA
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, does not cover Egyptian goods.
Egypt is not on the 2026 beneficiary list, and Public Law 119-103 extends AGOA to December 31, 2028 for eligible countries.
Source: Federal Register notice 2026-13177, AGOA eligibility, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Egypt
- Register in GOEIC's Exporters' Register, unless your investment project is exempt.General Organization for Export and Import ControlOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOEIC, Exporters Register services, published September 2017 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 24, 2017
- For leather and marble, present the shipment for GOEIC inspection at the port, and ask for optional inspection of other goods.General Organization for Export and Import ControlOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOEIC, exports and origin department (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Ask GOEIC for the certificate of origin that matches the agreement you are claiming.General Organization for Export and Import ControlOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: GOEIC, agreement countries and origin certificate forms (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the importing market's technical rules, and use the standards organization as the technical barriers enquiry point.Egyptian Organization for Standards and QualityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ePing, TBT enquiry point record for Egypt (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 4 more export steps
- For food, register with the National Food Safety Authority and use a listed company for inspection and conformity certificates.National Food Safety AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: National Food Safety Authority, Export Control Department (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Open a Nafeza account and issue a unique consignment reference for each export shipment before it moves.Egyptian Customs AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Nafeza, national single window home page (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Ask the Exporters and Investors Support Unit for help with obstacles you meet at customs.Egyptian Customs AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Egyptian Customs Authority, Exporters and Investors Support Unit (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade bodies that run export support, including the Export Development Fund.Ministry of Investment and Foreign TradeOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, affiliated entities (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with EDA and Egyptian Customs. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
National trade promotion agency
EDA
Export Development Authority
Runs the Egyptian Exports Portal, where exporters register, show their products and read market information.
Visit EDA (opens in a new tab)Source: Export Development Authority, market information pages (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Investment and trade ministry
MIFT
Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade
Sets trade agreement and WTO policy and oversees GAFI, GOEIC, the export development bodies and the chambers of commerce.
Visit MIFT (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, affiliated entities (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 7 more organizations
Foreign trade training center
FTTC
Foreign Trade Training Center
Trains professionals and companies in exporting and importing, and is affiliated with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade.
Visit FTTC (opens in a new tab)Source: Foreign Trade Training Center, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
CAPMAS
Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics
Publishes Egypt's official statistics and reports across many sectors.
Visit CAPMAS (opens in a new tab)Source: CAPMAS, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Information technology agency
ITIDA
Information Technology Industry Development Agency
Develops the information technology industry through programs, policy advice and trade promotion.
Visit ITIDA (opens in a new tab)Source: ITIDA, English home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Find finance
Export development bank
EBank
Export Development Bank of Egypt
Offers trade finance and export promotion services and a program for small and medium enterprises.
Visit EBank (opens in a new tab)Source: Export Development Bank of Egypt, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Qualifying Industrial Zones program unit
QIZ Unit
Qualifying Industrial Zones Unit
Registers companies in the Qualifying Industrial Zones program and reviews their exports and imports each quarter.
Visit QIZ Unit (opens in a new tab)Source: Egypt QIZ Unit, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
Regional trade bloc secretariat
COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Regional body
Runs the COMESA free trade area, whose origin rules decide which goods trade duty free between members.
Visit COMESA (opens in a new tab)Source: Mauritius trade ministry, Mauritius Trade Easy, COMESA page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
Continental trade agreement secretariat
AfCFTA Secretariat
Multilateral body
Publishes the AfCFTA e-Tariff Book and tracks which countries have gazetted schedules and trade under the agreement.
Visit AfCFTA Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, eTariff page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
Egyptian Customs
Egyptian Customs Authority
Runs customs clearance and the Advanced Export system, and has a support unit for exporters and investors.
Visit Egyptian Customs (opens in a new tab)Source: Egyptian Customs Authority, Exporters and Investors Support Unit (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
ETA
Egyptian Tax Authority
Registers taxpayers and runs the Taxpayer Portal and the electronic invoice system.
Visit ETA (opens in a new tab)Source: Egyptian Tax Authority, English home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
Finance ministry
MOF
Ministry of Finance
Oversees the customs and tax authorities and publishes the monthly financial report.
Visit MOF (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Finance, English home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
Export and import control authority
GOEIC
General Organization for Export and Import Control
Keeps the exporters register, issues certificates of origin and inspects some exports.
Visit GOEIC (opens in a new tab)Source: GOEIC, overview and legal framework (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
National standards body
EOS
Egyptian Organization for Standards and Quality
Sets national standards and serves as Egypt's WTO technical barriers to trade enquiry point.
Visit EOS (opens in a new tab)Source: ePing, TBT enquiry point record for Egypt (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Food safety authority
NFSA
National Food Safety Authority
Controls food exports and keeps a list of companies that issue inspection certificates for exported food.
Visit NFSA (opens in a new tab)Source: National Food Safety Authority, Export Control Department (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Agriculture ministry
MALR
Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation
Hosts the Central Administration for Foreign Agricultural Relations, which is Egypt's WTO sanitary and phytosanitary enquiry point.
Visit MALR (opens in a new tab)Source: ePing, SPS enquiry point record for Egypt (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Industrial employers' federation
FEI
Federation of Egyptian Industries
Represents industrial chambers and offers business development and one-stop services to industrial firms.
Visit FEI (opens in a new tab)Source: Federation of Egyptian Industries, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Logistics and border performance
Nafeza states that exporters and customs brokers must issue a unique consignment reference for each shipment under the Advanced Export system.
What to do: Open a Nafeza account and issue the reference before you book cargo.
Source: Nafeza, national single window home page (in Arabic) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Currency and settlement
The World Bank says the pound fell about 17 percent early in the 2026 regional conflict and later regained ground, as authorities allowed exchange-rate flexibility.
What to do: Confirm the settlement currency and payment terms with your bank before you sign a contract.
Source: World Bank, Macro Poverty Outlook, Egypt, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Rules of origin
GOEIC lists a different certificate form and origin rule for each trade agreement, such as 35 percent local value added under COMESA.
What to do: Match the certificate form to the importing country's agreement before you ship.
Source: GOEIC, agreement countries and origin certificate forms (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Egypt project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Promote:Egypt is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.