Egypt’s ready-made garment exports to the United States rose 29% year-on-year to $841 million during the first seven months of 2026, up from $651 million in the same period last year, according to the Apparel Export Council of Egypt (AECE).
The $190 million increase made the US Egypt’s largest single market for ready-made garment exports, accounting for approximately 39% of the sector’s total exports between January and July.
Egypt’s overall ready-made garment exports reached $2.139 billion during the seven-month period, compared with $1.869 billion a year earlier, representing annual growth of 14%.
The US market therefore expanded at more than twice the pace of Egypt’s overall garment exports, reinforcing its position as a key destination for Egyptian apparel manufacturers.
July growth continues
The sector maintained its growth momentum in July, with ready-made garment exports reaching $380 million, up 19% from $320 million in July 2025.
July followed a particularly strong June, when apparel exports rose 47% year-on-year to $355 million, compared with $241 million a year earlier. The June increase was the highest monthly growth rate recorded since the beginning of 2026, according to the council.
During the first half of 2026, total apparel exports reached approximately $1.775 billion, up 15% from $1.548 billion during the same period in 2025.
While the sector’s overall growth rate moderated slightly to 14% through July, exports continued to expand, led by stronger demand from the US and European markets.
Europe posts strong gains
European markets collectively imported $930 million worth of Egyptian ready-made garments during the first seven months of 2026, up 46% from $636 million in the same period last year.
Spain recorded the strongest growth among major European markets, with exports rising 86% to $185 million. Exports to the UK increased 69% to $86 million, while shipments to Italy rose 51% to $55 million.
Exports to France increased 45% to $48 million, while shipments to Germany rose 37% to $117 million.
Arab markets also recorded growth, with exports increasing 17% to $301 million. Shipments to Libya more than doubled, rising 104% to $41 million.
More companies enter export markets
Egyptian-owned companies accounted for 62.5% of total ready-made garment exports during the first seven months of 2026, generating $1.337 billion in export revenues, up 15% from $1.163 billion a year earlier.
Foreign-invested companies accounted for the remaining 37.5%, with exports rising 14% to $802 million, compared with $705 million during the same period last year.
The number of Egyptian exporting companies increased to 749 from 722, while the number of foreign-invested exporters rose to 115 from 106.
The council also reported growth across major product categories. Non-knitted trousers and pants remained Egypt’s largest apparel export category, generating approximately $800 million, up 15% year-on-year.
Exports of knitted T-shirts and polo shirts reached $480 million, up 18%, while blouses and shirts generated $277 million, representing annual growth of 21%.
The latest figures highlight continued expansion in Egypt’s apparel exports, with the US emerging as one of the sector’s strongest growth markets and accounting for nearly two-fifths of total exports during the first seven months of 2026.
