Egypt's Ready-Made Garment Exports Surge 24% in Q1 2025, Reaching $812M
CAIRO- 5 May 2025: Egypt's ready-made garment exports saw a notable increase in the first quarter of 2025, rising by 24 percent to reach $812 million, up from $656 million in the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AECE). This growth reflects the continued expansion of Egypt's garment sector, bolstered by a combination of global demand and targeted efforts to enhance competitiveness.
February saw a particularly strong performance, with exports soaring 35 percent to $276 million, compared to $205 million in February 2024. January also recorded steady growth, with exports rising by 11 percent to $274 million, up from $246 million the previous year. The United States remained the largest market for Egyptian garments, with exports rising by 12 percent year-on-year to $299 million. Europe followed closely behind, with a 43 percent increase, reaching $206 million in Q1.
The export growth was widespread across various regions. Exports to Arab countries surged by 49 percent to $148 million, while exports to non-Arab African nations experienced the highest growth rate, climbing by 121 percent. Exports to other global markets also rose by 49 percent, mirroring the performance seen in the Arab region.
Fadel Marzouk, Chairperson of the AECE, credited the positive results to a comprehensive strategy aimed at boosting Egypt's global competitiveness in the garment sector. Key initiatives have included offering technical training for producers, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhancing marketing efforts abroad, and addressing export-related challenges. These measures have strengthened Egypt's position in the international market.
Looking ahead, Marzouk reaffirmed the AECE's goal of achieving 35 percent export growth by the end of 2025, with the ambitious target of doubling garment exports to $12 billion by 2031. This growth will be driven by expanding into African and Asian markets, leveraging Egypt's trade agreements, and focusing on higher value-added production. As part of this strategy, the AECE is working on modernizing production lines and developing two integrated textile and garment cities in Fayoum and Minya to support the sector's long-term development.
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