Egypt’s engineering exports target $7.5bn in 2026 after record-breaking year

2026-02-02 - 15:16

Egypt’s engineering industries delivered a historic export performance in 2025, with overseas shipments reaching around $6.5bn—up 13% year on year and the highest level ever recorded by the sector—according to the Engineering Export Council of Egypt (EECE). The result marks a dramatic rise from $2.29bn in 2020, underscoring the impact of a comprehensive export strategy implemented over the past five years. Sherif El-Sayad, Chairperson of the Engineering Export Council, attributed the strong performance to an expanding exporter base, improved global competitiveness of Egyptian engineering products, and a strategic shift towards higher value-added industries. He added that concerted efforts to open new markets while deepening penetration in traditional destinations were also key drivers. El-Sayad stressed that the sector has recorded uninterrupted growth for five consecutive years, highlighting the structural and sustainable nature of the expansion rather than a short-term surge. Engineering exports rose from $2.29bn in 2020 to $3.497bn in 2021, $3.841bn in 2022, $4.625bn in 2023, and $5.73bn in 2024, before reaching $6.482bn in 2025. Export momentum accelerated towards the end of the year, with monthly exports hitting record levels of $620.6m in November and $610.6m in December 2025, reflecting strong global demand for Egyptian engineering products. Sector and product performance Cables emerged as the leading exporting sector in 2025, generating around $1.5bn, followed closely by home appliances at $1.46bn. Automotive components surpassed the $1bn mark, while electrical industries recorded exports of $643.2m and transport equipment reached $267.5m, highlighting the sector’s diversified export base. Several subsectors posted exceptional growth rates, led by metals, which surged by 273%. Technical and medical industries grew by 32%, machinery and equipment by 30%, blades by 26%, and electrical and electronic industries by 23%. Copper wires ranked as the top exported engineering product, with exports valued at $777m, driven by strong demand from energy and power transmission projects. Television screens followed at $674m, supported by expanded exports to European and Asian markets. Other notable performers included coaxial cables ($538m), wiring harnesses ($517m), high-voltage electric cables ($180m), diesel buses ($164m), electric water heaters ($152m), LCD screens ($126m), and electrical connectors ($126m). Markets and geographic spread Europe remained the largest regional destination for Egyptian engineering exports in 2025, absorbing nearly $3bn, up 16% year on year. Asia followed with $2.3bn, while exports to Africa reached $994.8m. Exports to North America recorded the fastest growth, surging 332% to $291m, while shipments to South America increased by 18% to $28m, reflecting tangible progress in market diversification. Saudi Arabia topped the list of individual markets, importing $855.5m worth of Egyptian engineering products. The UK ranked second with $551.2m, followed by Turkey ($550.7m), the UAE ($377.6m), and Iraq ($352.1m). Other key destinations included Germany, the United States, France, Libya, and Algeria. Outlook and 2026 roadmap Looking ahead, the Engineering Export Council is targeting exports of $7.5bn in 2026, aiming for sustainable annual growth of around 15%. El-Sayad said the roadmap prioritises deepening local manufacturing, increasing reliance on domestically produced components, and expanding high value-added sectors such as automotive components, buses, and heavy machinery, while strengthening Egypt’s integration into global supply chains. The strategy also focuses on maximising the benefits of free trade agreements—particularly to penetrate Mercosur markets in Latin America—alongside attracting foreign investment and promoting Egyptian brands globally through the “Egyptian Brands” initiative. In 2026, the council plans to step up participation in major international exhibitions across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, in addition to organising outbound trade missions and inbound buyer delegations. Specialised training programmes will also be launched for exporters, covering logistics, artificial intelligence-powered digital marketing, supply chain management, quality control, and branding. The council will continue organising the Engineering Export Excellence Award to foster competitiveness, innovation, and export growth among Egyptian companies, reinforcing the sector’s role as a key pillar of Egypt’s national economy.