Higher Turkish imports boost Egypt’s clothing exports

A surge in Turkey’s imports boosted Egypt’s garment and textile exports by nearly 7 percent in the first half of 2025.

The value of the exports swelled to $577 million in the first half from $538 million in the first half of 2024, said Hani Salam, the chairman of the Textile Export Council of Egypt (TEC), according to Al-Ahram website.

Earlier this year Egyptian officials revealed plans for a “national programme” to develop the textile industry, which they see as a core component of the country’s economy and a hard currency earner.

Mohamed Abdel Salam, chairman of the Ready-Made Garments and Textiles Chamber at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, said in January that the sector was buoyed by global economic shifts and a surge in foreign direct investment.

For their part, Turkish textile firms are relocating production to countries with lower labour, materials and other input costs, with Egypt a preferred option.

Salam said Turkey maintained its position as the largest market for Egyptian clothing exports, taking $236 million in the first half of this year, accounting for 41 percent of Egypt’s total clothing exports.

Algeria was second with $64 million, followed by Italy with nearly $58 million.

Salam said that TEC was targeting $1.5 billion in exports in 2026.

“I believe it is attainable given the increase in foreign investment inflow,” Salam said.