Egypt’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector is showing strong momentum in 2025, with exports surging by 26% in the first seven months of the year. According to data released by the Apparel Export Council (AEC), the sector generated approximately $1.939 billion from January to July, up from $1.539 billion in the same period last year.
This growth signals the beginning of a more aggressive export phase, supported by increased foreign investments, expanding production capacity, and enhanced government-industry coordination.
Foreign Investment Fuels Expansion
Fadel Marzouk, Chairperson of the AEC, attributed the uptick to a series of strategic initiatives aimed at supporting exporters and attracting capital—particularly from China and Turkey, two of the sector’s fastest-growing investment partners. He projects that exports could grow by up to 35% in the coming months, potentially bringing the year-end total to $3.7 billion, a record high for Egypt’s apparel industry.
Long-Term Vision: $12 Billion by 2031
The AEC has set an ambitious medium-term target to reach $12 billion in garment exports by 2031. The strategy includes:
- Enhancing product competitiveness
- Expanding the base of exporting companies, especially SMEs
- Integrating textile innovation and sustainable manufacturing
- Establishing two textile and garment industrial cities in Fayoum and Minya
Key Markets See Significant Growth
Egypt’s top export markets have seen notable gains:
- United States: Remains Egypt’s largest importer of RMG, with exports growing 16% to $760 million
- Turkey: Surged 91% year-on-year, reaching $226 million
- Saudi Arabia: Nearly doubled, up 97% to $183 million
Government Support and Export Rebates
The AEC is working closely with state agencies to maintain competitive advantages through:
- Export rebate programs
- Low-cost financing for manufacturers
- Modernization of shipping and logistics
- Enhanced access to trade agreements with the EU, U.S., and African markets
Marzouk emphasized that the sector’s ability to generate foreign currency inflows is critical to Egypt’s broader economic strategy, particularly amid global market volatility.
