🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egypt's garment exports reach $862 million in Q1 2026, driven by European demand
via Egypt Today2 min read
Egypt's ready-made garment exports increased by 10 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, totaling $862 million. This growth was primarily fueled by strong demand from European and U.S. markets, alongside increased competitiveness of local manufacturers. European markets led the export growth, with shipments rising 21 percent to $379 million during January–March, accounting for approximately 44 percent of Egypt’s total garment exports. The United States was the second-largest destination, with exports reaching $329 million, representing about 38 percent of the total. Arab markets contributed 13.4 percent. Turkey remained a significant importer, with imports of $101 million. Italy showed substantial growth, with Egyptian garment exports to the country more than doubling to $24 million, a 103 percent increase. Trousers were the top export category, climbing 16 percent to $332 million, followed by women’s blouses and woven shirts, which saw a 12 percent increase to $114 million.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
The cultural and educational ties between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates have evolved into a significant strategic partnership, encompassing heritage preservation, arts, and education. This relationship, described by Emirati officials as a "pillar of Arab awareness," is strengthened by joint initiatives and substantial investments in cultural landmarks. Egypt has been a primary destination for Emirati students seeking higher education since the 1960s, a tradition dating back to 1927. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the Institute for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers in Egypt in 1992, solidifying Cairo's role as a regional learning hub. The UAE has supported Egyptian cultural infrastructure, including a $50 million grant for the restoration of the Museum of Islamic Art and a $21 million grant for the Library of Alexandria. Cooperation also extends to experimental theater, with Dubai and Sharjah frequently hosting Egyptian artists. Egypt has been a "Guest of Honor" at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and actively participates in the "Reading Challenge" initiative. Recent high-level meetings between the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority focused on expanding cooperation in museum management, intangible heritage, and digital arts. Former UAE Minister of Culture, Noura Al Kaabi, emphasized that this partnership reflects a shared vision of brotherhood rooted in Sheikh Zayed's legacy. Additionally, President Abdel Fat
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty received a phone call from Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and regional developments. Abdelatty praised the relations between Egypt and Italy, expressing Egypt’s desire to enhance all aspects of bilateral ties, including economic and investment relations and trade exchange. The ministers exchanged views on regional developments, with Abdelatty briefing Tajani on Egypt’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in coordination with regional and international partners. He emphasized the importance of supporting US-Iran negotiations and efforts for a political settlement, and adhering to the negotiation track to consolidate a ceasefire and end the war. Discussions also covered developments in the Gaza Strip, with Abdelatty stressing the need to complete the second phase of the US plan, including deploying an international stabilization force, ensuring humanitarian aid delivery, and launching recovery and reconstruction programs. Regarding Lebanon, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for a full Israeli withdrawal and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The Italian foreign minister praised Egypt's constructive role in de-escalating regional tensions. Both ministers agreed to continue coordination and consultations to reduce escalat
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and German National Security Adviser Gunter Sautter held a phone call on May 6, 2026, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional developments. Abdelatty praised the strong relations between Egypt and Germany, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing cooperation, especially in the economic and trade sectors. The discussion also covered escalating regional tensions, with Abdelatty briefing Sautter on Egypt’s de-escalation efforts and stressing the importance of continued negotiations between the United States and Iran as the only viable path for diplomatic solutions. Sautter commended Egypt’s role in supporting regional security and stability and expressed Germany's interest in further strengthening relations with Cairo and continuing coordination.
Al-Arish Airport has received an aid shipment from the United Arab Emirates destined for Gaza. This event occurred on Thursday, May 7, 2026.