Libya has emerged as the largest African market for Egyptian exports during the first seven months of 2026, with a total value of $869 million. This development highlights the growing trade relations between the two countries and the increasing presence of Egyptian products in the Libyan market. According to the Egyptian Council of Ministers, this trend is a significant indicator of the expanding economic ties between Egypt and Libya.
The Egyptian government reported that the total trade exchange between Egypt and African Union countries increased by 10.9% during the period from January to July 2026, reaching $6.1 billion, compared to $5.5 billion during the same period in 2025. This growth reflects the continuous development in economic and trade relations between Egypt and African countries, with Egyptian exports to African markets showing notable expansion.
Libya ranked first among the top five African markets receiving Egyptian exports during the period, followed by Sudan with $659 million, Algeria with $566 million, Morocco with $521 million, and Tunisia with $252 million. The Egyptian government attributes this growth to the increasing opportunities for Egyptian products to access African markets, aligning with the diversification of economic and trade cooperation between Egypt and African countries.
The value of Egyptian exports to African Union countries rose by 4.7% to reach $4.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026, compared to $4.3 billion during the same period in 2025. This increase demonstrates the growing presence of Egyptian products in African markets, driven by enhanced economic and trade cooperation between Egypt and African nations.
The top Egyptian exports to African Union countries include electrical machinery and appliances, valued at $384 million, followed by plastics and their products at $354 million, iron and steel products at $270 million, food preparations at $205 million, and vegetable and animal fats and oils at $176 million. These figures underscore the diversity of Egyptian exports to African markets.
The Egyptian government views the growth in trade indicators as a reflection of the strengthening economic relations between Egypt and African countries. This trend is expected to continue, with Libya playing a significant role as a major African market for Egyptian exports. The expanding trade relations between Egypt and Libya highlight the importance of the Libyan market for Egyptian products.
The ongoing development in trade relations between Egypt and African countries, particularly with Libya, is anticipated to foster further economic cooperation and increase opportunities for Egyptian exports in African markets. As Egypt continues to enhance its economic ties with Africa, the country's exports are likely to experience sustained growth, driven by the increasing demand for Egyptian products across the continent.
Key points
- Libya leads African markets in receiving Egyptian exports with a value of $869 million.
- Egyptian exports to African Union countries rose by 4.7% to $4.5 billion during the first seven months of 2026.
- The top Egyptian exports to Africa include electrical machinery, plastics, and iron and steel products.
