Egypt's textile exports need a new strategy to hit $20bn by 2030, NTI chairman warns

Egypt will not reach its target of $20 billion in textile and garment exports by 2030 at today's growth rates, according to Mahmoud Ghazal, chairperson of Nile Textile Industries (NTI) and a member of the Chamber of Textile Industries. Speaking to Daily News Egypt on 29 September, he said the goal calls for "a new strategy focused on accelerating export growth" and for deeper integration of Egyptian firms into global supply chains.

Ghazal's warning comes despite a strong year so far. Ready-made garment exports reached $2.525 billion between January and August 2026, up 16% on the same period of 2025, the newspaper reported. Shipments to Europe rose 26% to $1.087 billion, and exports to Spain alone jumped 61% to $227 million.

The size of the gap

According to Ghazal, estimates based on historical growth, production capacity and available markets suggest exports could reach only around $4 billion without a significant acceleration. To reach $20 billion, he said, Egypt would need to secure roughly 5% of the global textile and garment market.

He pointed to small and medium-sized enterprises as an important driver of future growth. The number of ready-made garment exporters rose to 749 companies in the first seven months of 2026, from 722 a year earlier, Daily News Egypt reported. Ghazal argued that supporting these firms, strengthening their production capabilities and linking them to international contracts would broaden the export base and raise local value added.

He also called for more Egyptian companies to take part in global production through direct exports, original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and private-label manufacturing for international brands.

What it means for Egyptian exporters

The figures confirm that European buyers, led by Spain, are driving much of this year's growth, which gives exporters a clear market to prioritise. Ghazal's message is that volume growth alone will not close the gap: factories that can offer OEM and private-label services, and smaller firms that connect directly with international buyers, are where the industry expects the next stage of expansion. Buyers looking for new suppliers in Egypt can expect a widening pool of exporters.