Egypt’s ready-made garment exports increased by 15 percent year-on-year to US$1.15 billion in the first four months of 2026, driven by stronger demand from the United States and Europe and ongoing efforts to diversify export markets, industry data showed.
Figures released by the Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AEC) indicated that exports rose from US$1.002 billion in the same period in 2025, reflecting sustained growth in one of the country’s key non-oil manufacturing sectors.
The sector recorded its strongest monthly performance in April, when exports surged by 33 percent year-on-year to US$287 million, compared with $216 million in April 2025, signalling accelerating momentum in global orders.
The United States remained the largest single market for Egyptian garments, with exports rising 13 percent to US$429 million over the four-month period, underscoring continued demand for Egyptian textile products in North America.
European markets collectively accounted for the largest regional share, representing 44.6 percent of total exports, as shipments to the continent rose sharply by 29 percent to $512 million from US$398 million a year earlier.
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Within Europe, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Italy emerged as key destinations, with Italy recording particularly strong growth of 95 percent year-on-year to US$33 million, reflecting expanding penetration of Egyptian apparel into Southern European markets.
Türkiye ranked as the second-largest importer globally, with purchases valued at US$135 million, followed by Spain at US$102 million, Germany at US$67 million, and the Netherlands at US$64 million.
The Apparel Export Council said the strong performance reflects improving competitiveness in Egypt’s garment industry, supported by global supply chain diversification as international brands seek alternative sourcing hubs amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting trade patterns.
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AEC Chairperson Fadel Marzouk said the sector remains on track to achieve annual export growth exceeding 22 percent, noting that Egypt’s textile industry is benefiting from rising investment, improved production quality and stronger delivery reliability.
He said the United States continues to serve as a major growth engine, while European markets are also expanding steadily as Egyptian manufacturers strengthen their foothold across multiple retail supply chains.
Marzouk added that the council is pursuing a strategy to open new markets, including in Africa, while increasing Egypt’s share in existing European and North American markets through enhanced competitiveness and product diversification.
He also pointed to ongoing factory expansions and new foreign direct investment inflows into textiles, spinning and garment manufacturing, which are expected to support higher production capacity in the coming years.
According to the council, Egypt’s garment industry is also focusing on improving value-added manufacturing, increasing the use of locally sourced inputs, and modernising production processes to enhance global competitiveness.
Sustainability is also becoming a growing priority, with manufacturers increasingly adopting environmentally friendly practices and circular economy principles as global buyers place greater emphasis on ethical sourcing and sustainable production.
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The AEC projects that total garment exports could rise by more than US$1 billion in 2026, potentially reaching around $4.4 billion, which would mark a record high for Egypt’s apparel industry.
Despite global economic uncertainty, officials say the sector is entering a phase of structural expansion supported by investment, capacity upgrades and stronger integration into global supply chains.
