Egypt Exports 2026: Non-Oil Sectors, Markets and the Numbers So Far

Anyone tracking Egypt exports in 2026 needs to read the numbers in two ways: with gold and without it. Non-oil merchandise exports reached about $33.6 billion in January–August 2026, up 4% year on year, and roughly 12% higher once exceptional items are stripped out³. That follows a record 2025, when non-oil exports rose 17% to $48.567 billion¹. For a foreign buyer, the underlying trend matters more than the headline: Egypt's manufacturers and farms are shipping more to more markets, even if a volatile gold line makes the totals look flatter.

This article sets out the official numbers available so far, the sectors driving growth, the markets taking Egyptian goods, and what this means if you are sourcing from Egypt.

The headline numbers: 2025 baseline and 2026 so far

The 2025 result is the benchmark that every 2026 figure is compared against. According to the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, non-oil exports climbed from $41.507 billion in 2024 to $48.567 billion in 2025, while imports rose 5% to $83.014 billion and the non-oil trade deficit narrowed 9% to $34.447 billion¹.

Why gold distorts the picture

Gold exports jumped from $3.2 billion in 2024 to $7.6 billion in 2025¹, creating a very high comparison base. That is why the first half of 2026 shows only 3% headline growth but 12% growth once gold is excluded². Gold is a financial commodity driven by world prices and local refining flows; it says little about Egypt's industrial competitiveness. For sourcing decisions, the ex-gold figure is the more useful signal.

The import side moved faster: non-oil imports reached $48.1 billion in H1 2026, up 21%, or $44 billion excluding gold, up 11.5%. The non-oil deficit excluding gold widened 11% to $20.8 billion². A wider deficit keeps exports at the top of the government's agenda, which generally means continued support for exporters.

The sectors driving growth in 2026

Five sectors led Egypt's exports in the first half of 2026: chemicals and fertilizers, building materials, food industries, agricultural products, and engineering and electronics². Here is how each is performing on the latest available data.

Chemicals and fertilizers: the fastest mover

The Chemical and Fertilizers Export Council reported $7.07 billion in exports for January–July 2026, against $5.63 billion a year earlier, a 25% increase that gives the sector a 23.5% share of non-oil exports⁴. Petrochemicals surged 85% to $1.78 billion, organic chemicals rose 44%, and inorganic chemicals and detergents grew 30% and 29% respectively⁴. The EU took $2.66 billion (up 17%), while non-Arab Asian markets jumped 76% to $1.72 billion⁴.

Building materials: still the largest sector

Building materials, refractories and metallurgical products were Egypt's largest non-oil export sector in 2025, at $14.875 billion, up 36% and roughly 30% of non-oil exports⁶. The sector recorded $4.803 billion in the first five months of 2026, and its council is prioritising African and European markets⁶. For a closer look at stone, ceramics and cement, see our guide to Egyptian marble and building materials.

Food: record highs, broad demand

Processed food exports hit a record $4.5 billion in January–July 2026, up 10.7%⁵. Arab countries took $2 billion (46%), the EU $1.008 billion (up 18.6%) and the United States $290 million⁵. The top products tell buyers where Egyptian capacity is deepest:

• Frozen strawberries: $558 million, up 7%⁵
• Soft-drink concentrates: $368 million⁵
• Edible oils: $298 million, up 35%⁵
• Chocolate: $262 million, up 114%⁵

The Food Export Council said 114 markets increased their imports of Egyptian food during the period⁵.

Engineering and electronics

Engineering exports reached a record $6.5 billion in 2025, up 13%, with machinery and equipment up 30%, electrical and electronic goods up 23%, and auto components and household appliances each up 15%⁷. The sector entered 2026 with momentum and a stated plan to deepen local manufacturing and value added⁷.

Where Egyptian goods are going

The top five destinations for non-oil exports in the first half of 2026 were the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Türkiye and the United States², the same group that led in 2025¹. By trade bloc, 2025 exports to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area rose 22.9% to $19.8 billion, and exports to the EU grew 8% to $15.2 billion⁹.

China is a market to watch. CAPMAS data show Egyptian exports to China rose to $840.8 million in H1 2026 from $280.5 million a year earlier. Fuel and mineral oils made up $494 million, but fruits and vegetables reached $150.6 million⁸, a sign that Egyptian produce is opening Asian doors.

What the 2026 numbers mean for buyers

Reading the data as a sourcing manager rather than an economist leads to a few practical conclusions:

1. Capacity is expanding in chemicals, food and engineering. Double-digit growth usually comes from new lines and new exporters, so there is room to negotiate new supply relationships.
2. Many suppliers already sell into the EU. The EU is a top destination for both chemicals and food⁴⁵, so many suppliers already meet strict EU standards on residues, labelling and traceability.
3. Gulf and Arab demand anchors volume. Arab markets take almost half of processed food exports⁵, which supports year-round production and competitive pricing.
4. Check the sector, not the headline. A 4% total³ hides sectors growing at 25%⁴ and others growing more slowly.

How Egypt Rise helps you act on the data

Statistics show where Egypt is strong; the next step is finding the specific factory or farm. On Egypt Rise you can browse the export product catalog with HS codes, MOQ, capacity, certificates and Incoterms, or go straight to verified producer portals and filter by type, for example packhouses and cold stores. Buyers contact suppliers directly, with no commission. If you are new to sourcing from Egypt, our buyer's guide explains the process step by step.

Frequently asked questions

What were Egypt's non-oil exports in 2025?

They reached $48.567 billion, up 17% from $41.507 billion in 2024, according to the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade¹.

How are Egypt's exports performing in 2026?

Non-oil exports reached about $33.6 billion in January–August 2026, up 4%, or roughly 12% excluding exceptional items³. In H1 2026 they were $25.5 billion, or $23.3 billion excluding gold, up 12%².

Which Egyptian export sectors are growing fastest in 2026?

Chemicals and fertilizers grew 25% in January–July 2026⁴, and processed food rose 10.7% to a record $4.5 billion⁵.

Who are Egypt's biggest export markets?

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Türkiye and the United States were the top five in H1 2026².

---

This article is general information based on official and press data available in October 2026. Figures are preliminary and may be revised; check the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, CAPMAS and the relevant export council for the latest data.