Egypt's trade exchange with African Union (AU) countries reached $6.1bn during the first seven months of 2026, marking an 11.8% increase from $5.5bn in the same period of 2025, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS). This growth is significant as it highlights the strengthening economic ties between Egypt and other African nations. The increase in trade exchange is attributed to a rise in both exports and imports.
Egypt's exports to AU countries reached $4.5bn during the first seven months of 2026, up from $4.3bn in the same period of 2025, representing a 3.4% increase. The main commodity groups exported to these countries included electrical machinery and equipment, valued at $384m; plastics and articles thereof at $354m; iron, steel and articles thereof at $270m; miscellaneous food preparations at $205m; and animal and vegetable fats and oils at $176m. These exports demonstrate Egypt's diverse trade capabilities.
Egyptian imports from AU countries rose to $1.6bn, compared with $1.1bn a year earlier, marking a 45.5% increase. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ranked first among AU countries in terms of exports to Egypt, with Egyptian imports from the country reaching $360m. Sudan followed at $298m, Libya at $183m, Kenya at $144m, and Mauritania at $138m. The increase in imports highlights the growing trade relationships between Egypt and other African countries.
Libya topped the list of African markets for Egyptian exports, with Egyptian exports to the country reaching $869m during the first seven months of 2026. Sudan ranked second at $659m, followed by Algeria at $566m, Morocco at $521m, Tunisia at $252m, Kenya at $181m, Nigeria at $140.5m, South Africa at $138m, Cameroon at $121m, and Ghana at $114m. These figures demonstrate Egypt's significant export presence in various African markets.
The main commodity groups imported from AU countries included copper and articles thereof, valued at $488m; mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation at $239m; pearls, precious and semi-precious stones and jewellery at $159m; coffee, tea and spices at $152m; and oil seeds, oleaginous fruits and medicinal plants at $82m. These imports showcase the diversity of goods that Egypt receives from other African nations.
CAPMAS also reported that investments by AU countries in Egypt reached $343m during the 2024/2025 financial year, while Egyptian investments in AU countries stood at $756m. Meanwhile, remittances from Egyptians working in AU countries reached $191m during the 2024/2025 financial year, while remittances from workers from AU countries in Egypt stood at $26.2m. These figures highlight the financial ties between Egypt and other African countries.
The growth in trade exchange between Egypt and AU countries is significant, especially with Egypt hosting the Eighth African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit in New Alamein City. This summit brings together African leaders to discuss regional issues and promote cooperation. The increase in trade exchange between Egypt and AU countries bodes well for future economic collaborations.
Key points
- Egypt's trade exchange with African Union countries rose to $6.1bn during the first seven months of 2026.
- Egyptian exports to AU countries reached $4.5bn during the first seven months of 2026.
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ranked first among AU countries in terms of exports to Egypt.
