Egypt’s textile exports reached US$673m in the first ten months of the year, new figures show, with Turkey remaining the top importer.
In the period January to October 2017, textile exports were up 3% from $651m last year, according to local reports quoting figures from Egypt’s Textile Export Council. This includes items such as fibres, yarns, and fabrics.
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Turkey is Egypt’s largest textile customer, importing products worth $230.27m in the ten-month period, followed by Italy with imports of $132.98m. Saudi Arabia is Egypt’s third largest textile export market, valued at $26.79m in the ten months, followed by Tunisia at $21.85m, according to Egypt Today. Meanwhile, Egypt’s textile exports to Germany and Portugal, reached $16.89m and $13.19m respectively.
Egypt has been looking to boost its export of ready-made garments, with many companies exhibiting at the recent Destination Africa event in Cairo.
Textile Export Council chairman, Hassan Eshra, said a number of bilateral meetings were held with international buyers during the event. It is hoping to increase the number of exhibitors from Egypt and Africa by 50% for next year’s event.
In light of the Trade Ministry’s plan to support the country’s textile industry, Eshra said a delegation of foreign companies who have visited the textile city in Minya Governorate have pledged to inject investment into Minya in 2019.
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By GlobalDataEgypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has been exploring several initiatives to increase textile investment and export rates. Currently being studied are plans for a new textile city, along with the national strategy for spinning, weaving and ready-made garments. The aim is to “promote the vital industry” in all stages of production, from cotton to the finished product.
Egypt mulls national strategy to boost textile exports
