Locally Manufactured Smartphone Prices Rise in Egypt After End of Customs Exemption

2026-01-31 - 14:26

Smartphones manufactured in Egypt have seen noticeable price increases in recent weeks, rising by an estimated 5 percent to 15 percent, according to the Mobile Phone Traders Division of the Giza Chamber of Commerce. The increase affects several popular brands assembled locally and comes at a time when demand in the mobile phone market remains subdued. Some companies, including Oppo and Honor, have already adjusted their prices upward, while distributors expect other brands to follow in the coming period. Retailers say the changes are being felt across different price segments, limiting options for consumers who were already cautious about spending. The latest increases followed a government decision to end a customs exemption that previously allowed Egyptians returning from abroad to bring in one mobile phone for personal use without paying duties. Now, if you’ve purchased a phone abroad, you only get 90 days of being able to use it in Egypt before you have to pay Customs. So, the government was encouraging people to buy local phones which have now increased in price. Mohamed El-Haddad, head of the Mobile Phone Traders Division, criticized the increases, describing them as excessive under... This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.