Egypt's trade with African Union countries reached $6.1 billion during the first seven months of 2026, up 11.8% from $5.5 billion in the same period of 2025, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. The increase reflects growing economic ties between Egypt and other African countries. This growth is significant for Egypt's economy, which seeks to strengthen its position as a major trading hub in the region. The statistics highlight the importance of African Union countries as a key market for Egyptian exports.
Egypt's exports to African Union countries totaled $4.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, up 3.4% from $4.3 billion in the same period of 2025. Libya was the largest importer of Egyptian goods, with exports valued at $869 million, followed by Sudan with $659 million, Algeria with $566 million, Morocco with $521 million, and Tunisia with $252 million. Other notable importers of Egyptian goods included Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Ghana. These countries play a crucial role in Egypt's export market.
The top Egyptian exports to African Union countries included electrical machinery and appliances, worth $384 million, and plastics and their products, valued at $354 million. Iron and steel products were also significant exports, with a value of $270 million. Food preparations and vegetable oils were also among the top exports, with values of $205 million and $176 million, respectively. These products are essential to Egypt's manufacturing sector and contribute significantly to the country's economy.
Egypt's imports from African Union countries rose to $1.6 billion during the first seven months of 2026, up 45.5% from $1.1 billion in the same period of 2025. The Democratic Republic of Congo was the largest exporter to Egypt, with imports valued at $360 million, followed by Sudan with $298 million, Libya with $183 million, Kenya with $144 million, and Mauritania with $138 million. Other countries that exported goods to Egypt included Zambia, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, and Tunisia. These imports help meet Egypt's demand for certain goods.
The top Egyptian imports from African Union countries included copper and its products, worth $488 million, and fuel and mineral oils, valued at $239 million. Pearls, precious stones, and jewelry were also significant imports, with a value of $159 million. Other notable imports included coffee, tea, and spices, with a value of $152 million, and grains and oilseeds, worth $82 million. These imports are essential to Egypt's economy and help meet domestic demand.
In addition to trade, Egypt and African Union countries also have significant financial ties. The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics reported that Egyptian workers in African Union countries sent $191 million in remittances to Egypt during the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Meanwhile, workers from African Union countries in Egypt sent $26.2 million in remittances to their home countries during the same period. These remittances play a crucial role in supporting families and communities.
Egypt and African Union countries also have a growing investment relationship. The value of investments by African Union countries in Egypt reached $343 million during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, while Egyptian investments in African Union countries totaled $756 million during the same period. These investments reflect the growing confidence of investors in the economic potential of both Egypt and African Union countries. They are expected to contribute to economic growth and development in the region.
Key points
- Egypt's trade with African Union countries reached $6.1 billion during the first seven months of 2026.
- Egyptian exports to African Union countries totaled $4.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026.
- Egypt's imports from African Union countries rose to $1.6 billion during the first seven months of 2026.
