Egypt's ready-made garment exports climb 16% to $2.5bn in first eight months of 2026

Egypt's ready-made garment exports rose to about $2.5 billion in the first eight months of 2026, compared with $2.2 billion in the same period of 2025, an increase of 16%, according to figures from the Ready-Made Garments Export Council reported by Alborsa News on 23 September.

August alone brought in $382 million, up from $310 million in August 2025, keeping the sector on the growth path it has followed all year.

Europe passes the $1bn mark

Exports to European markets exceeded $1 billion over the eight months, against $861 million a year earlier, a rise of 26%. Spain was the standout, with shipments jumping 61% to $227 million. The United Kingdom rose 36% to $97 million, Italy 30% to $59 million and France 21% to $55 million. Germany took $132 million and the Netherlands $116 million.

The United States remained the largest single market at $985 million, up 13% from $875 million, followed by Turkey at $286 million and Saudi Arabia at $147 million.

T-shirts lead the product mix

By product, T-shirts and polo shirts were the biggest category at $564 million, up 20%. Trousers accounted for $154 million and socks and gloves for $44 million.

Council chairman Fadel Marzouq described the shift in buying patterns as "an important opportunity" for the Egyptian ready-made garment industry.

What it means for Egyptian exporters

The strongest growth is coming from European buyers, and particularly from Spain, home of several of Europe's largest fast-fashion groups. That points to European retailers moving more volume closer to home, a trend Egyptian factories are well placed to capture on lead time and duty-free access. For exporters still concentrated on the US through the QIZ programme, the numbers make a clear case for building a second leg in the EU, where knitted basics such as T-shirts and polos are already proving competitive.