Egypt reports 15% annual rise in garment exports

Egypt’s ready-made garment exports surged by nearly 15 percent in the first four months of 2026 and are projected to climb to a record level through the year.

The increase was driven by a surge in exports to Turkey, the US and Europe.

Despite the Iran war and concerns about soaring energy prices, Egypt’s garment exports grew to about $1.15 billion from nearly $1 billion in the same period last year, the apparel export council of Egypt said in a report this week.

The increase coincides with an extensive promotion drive in key markets and diversification of markets for the country’s exports, the council said.

Europe emerged as the largest market for Egypt’s clothing exports, with a value of about $512 million in the four-month period, followed by the US ($429 million) and Turkey ($135 million).

“The council remains committed to its promises to achieve annual growth exceeding 22 percent this year, despite the existing challenges imposed by the Iran war on the global economy,” its chairman Fadel Marzouk said.

His figures showed garment exports are projected to soar by at least $1 billion to hit an all time high of around $4.4 billion this year.

“The council is currently working on a strategy aimed at opening new markets and increasing the market share of Egyptian clothing in Europe and America, in addition to focusing on promising markets in Africa,” Marzouk said.

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Egypt, the third largest Arab economy, has sought to encourage investment in the industrial sector to boost exports in a bid to stimulate its economy and tackle persistent fiscal and trade deficits.

Egypt announced last year that it aims to raise the manufacturing sector’s contribution to 20 percent of GDP by 2030.

The government has rolled out several initiatives since 2025 to boost industrial production and improve the investment climate, in line with the National Industry Strategy 2024-2030.