Egypt’s garment exports have seen a notable boost, rising by 15% to reach $283 million in January 2025, up from $246 million the previous year. This growth is a strong indicator of the country’s increasingly competitive presence in global markets, especially in its key export destinations: the United States and Europe.
In particular, the U.S. continues to be the largest market for Egyptian-made clothing. Exports to America amounted to $105 million in January 2025, slightly up from $104 million during the same period last year. The steady demand from U.S. buyers highlights the enduring strength of the trade relationship between the two nations, making it a crucial pillar for Egypt’s garment sector.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s trade with Europe is showing even more impressive results. Garment exports to European markets surged by 57%, reaching $77 million in January 2025, compared to $49 million in January 2024. This significant uptick reflects a growing appetite in European countries for Egyptian textiles, positioning the region as one of the most promising markets for the country’s apparel sector.
The strong performance in both the U.S. and European markets is a testament to Egypt’s evolving role in the global textile industry, with its competitive prices and high-quality products catching the eye of top international buyers. This growth aligns with broader government efforts to improve Egypt’s manufacturing capabilities and open new avenues for trade.
Ambitious Growth Plans Ahead
Looking forward, Egypt’s garment sector is setting its sights on even greater heights. Fadel Merzouk, head of the Egyptian Export Council for Ready-Made Garments, revealed plans to increase exports by 20-25% annually over the next five years, with a long-term target of $12 billion in garment exports by 2031. Merzouk emphasized that these ambitious goals will be driven by a strategy to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and attract foreign investments, particularly from countries such as Turkey, China, India, and Vietnam.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative by the government to modernize the sector and attract the necessary capital to fuel growth. With a clear focus on international markets like the U.S. and the EU, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in the global garment trade, expanding its footprint in two of the largest and most lucrative markets for textiles.
Sustaining Momentum
The surge in garment exports also underscores a broader trend of positive growth in Egypt’s export sectors. Overall, Egypt’s ready-made garment exports saw an 18% increase in 2024, totaling $2.84 billion, compared to $2.41 billion in 2023. This growth signals not only the resilience of Egypt’s garment industry but also its ability to adapt to shifting global demands, whether it’s meeting the needs of U.S. consumers or responding to Europe’s growing demand for affordable, quality apparel.
As Egypt continues to expand its garment exports to the U.S. and Europe, the success of the sector serves as a beacon of opportunity. The country’s garment industry is proving to be a central pillar of its economic strategy, with immense potential for growth on the global stage. The road ahead is promising, with Egyptian exports poised to play an increasingly important role in global trade.
