Egypt’s apparel exports rose 14% year-on-year during the first seven months of 2026, reaching $2.139bn, supported by improved production capabilities, technological upgrades and growing compliance with international sustainability standards.
Exports increased from $1.869bn during the January-July period of 2025, according to the Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AECE), chaired by Fadel Marzouk.
The AECE said the sector’s growth increasingly reflects structural improvements rather than conventional volume expansion, with Egyptian manufacturers investing in operational technologies, product quality and compliance with increasingly stringent international requirements.
These investments have enhanced production flexibility, enabling manufacturers to diversify their product portfolios and better respond to changing demand across global markets.
The momentum continued in July, when apparel exports reached $380m, up 19% from $320m in July 2025.
Egyptian companies account for 62.5% of exports
Egyptian-owned companies accounted for the largest share of the sector’s exports, with shipments rising 15% to around $1.337bn during the first seven months of 2026, compared with $1.163bn during the corresponding period last year.
These companies represented approximately 62.5% of Egypt’s total apparel exports during the period.
The number of Egyptian exporting companies also increased to 749, compared with 722 a year earlier.
Meanwhile, the number of foreign-invested exporting companies rose to 115 from 106 during the same period.
Exports by foreign-invested companies reached approximately $802m during January–July 2026, up 14% from $705m a year earlier, accounting for around 37.5% of total apparel exports.
Sustainability compliance boosts competitiveness in Europe
Marzouk said European markets consolidated their position as the largest destination for Egyptian apparel exports, with shipments reaching $930m during the first seven months of 2026, compared with $636m during the same period in 2025.
Exports to Europe recorded exceptional growth of 46%, with the region accounting for approximately 43% of Egypt’s total apparel exports.
He attributed the expansion partly to Egyptian manufacturers’ growing ability to upgrade their production processes and comply with increasingly strict regulatory requirements in international markets, particularly environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and comprehensive supply-chain traceability requirements.
Spain recorded the strongest growth among European destinations, with Egyptian apparel exports rising 86% to $185m.
Exports to the United Kingdom increased 69% to $86m, while shipments to Italy rose 51% to $55m. Exports to France increased 45% to $48m, while shipments to Germany rose 37% to $117m.
Marzouk stressed that environmental and operational compliance, alongside supply-chain traceability, is becoming increasingly important in strengthening the competitiveness of Egyptian products in European markets.
US remains key export market
The United States remained a major market for Egyptian apparel, with exports reaching $841m during the January-July period, compared with $651m a year earlier.
Exports to the US increased 29%, accounting for approximately 39% of total sector exports.
Marzouk said the growth reflects the sector’s competitive advantages in logistics responsiveness and integration into global supply chains, enabling Egyptian factories to meet the requirements of international markets with greater efficiency and flexibility.
Exports to Arab countries also rose 17% to $301m, accounting for around 14% of total exports.
Libya recorded particularly strong growth, with exports more than doubling, rising 104% to $41m. Meanwhile, exports to Turkey increased 28% to reach $240m.
According to Marzouk, the performance reflects growing regional integration and the development of supply chains, supporting the sector’s ability to diversify export destinations and respond flexibly to the needs of different markets.
