Agricultural, Heavy, and Oversized Equipment Shipping To/From Egypt

With a population exceeding 100 million, Egypt presents a huge consumer base for imported goods. The official time zone of UTC+2 aligns with European business hours. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used in business, easing communication for importers. The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. Recent changes allow more flexibility for importers, with letters of credit not required for all raw materials.

Understanding cultural norms and respecting local customs is key to stress-free transportation of equipment to Egypt.

Egypt’s economy has diverse sectors demanding heavy and oversized cargo. Let’s explore industries driving this demand and key facts. 

Industries

1. Energy. Ambitious renewable energy targets and oil & gas exploration propel demand for turbines, transformers, and drilling equipment.
2. Infrastructure. Expanding transportation networks, bridges, and power grids necessitate oversized steel beams, prefabricated structures, and heavy machinery.
3. Construction. Real estate development and industrial projects require cranes, bulldozers, and precast concrete elements.
4. Manufacturing. Growing automotive, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery industries necessitate large-scale equipment imports.
5. Agriculture. Land development and mechanized farming utilize large tractors, harvesters, and specialized agricultural equipment. 
6. Tourism. Cruise ships, yachts, and tourism infrastructure upgrades drive oversized cargo movement within the Red Sea and Nile regions.

Key Facts

• Market size: The freight and logistics market is estimated to be worth USD 14.56 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.33% and reach USD 18 billion in 2029;
• Trade volume: The country imports USD 1.3 billion worth of heavy machinery annually;
• Major ports: Alexandria, Damietta, and Ain Sokhna are equipped to handle heavy and oversized cargo;
• Challenges: Infrastructure limitations, complex regulations, and skilled labor shortages can present challenges.

You can read more about modes of cargo transportation, main shipping ports, customs regulations, and challenges in our article:“ FARM EQUIPMENT SHIPPING TO EGYPT”