Top 10 goods imported to Egypt

Mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products, with a total value of $15.07B ranked the top 1 imports in 2022, playing a crucial role in the country’s development. Here’s a closer look at these essential imports.

Refined Petroleum
Topping the list with a value exceeding $5.63 billion in 2022, refined petroleum plays a key role in Egypt’s energy sector.

Crude Petroleum
Although Egypt holds its own oil reserves, it still imports crude petroleum valued at over $3.13 billion.

Petroleum Gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas – LPG)
Essential for cooking and heating in many Egyptian households, LPG imports reached $1.23 billion in 2022.

Fuel Oils
Used in power generation and industrial applications, fuel oil imports were valued at $862 million in 2022.

Asphalt
Vital for infrastructure development and road construction, asphalt imports reached $267 million in 2022.
Other notable imports in this category include naphtha, bitumen, and lubricating oils, each crucial for various industrial processes and transportation needs.

Egypt is a major importer of machinery, with a total value of US$5.84 billion in 2022. Some of the most common types of machinery imported into Egypt include:

• Industrial machinery. Used in manufacturing, such as machine tools, textile machinery, and food processing machinery.
• Construction machinery. Such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
• Agricultural machinery. Such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems.
• Medical machinery. Used in healthcare, such as X-ray machines, MRI machines, and surgical equipment.

The main sources of machinery imports for Egypt are USA, China, Italy, Germany, and Turkey.

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Egypt plays a significant role in the global iron and steel industry, acting as both a producer and a major importer. While the country possesses domestic iron ore mines and steel production facilities, it still relies heavily on foreign sources to meet its growing demand for these materials.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported US$4.28 billion worth of iron and steel, showcasing its dependence on this crucial sector.

Product Diversity
Egypt imports a diverse range of iron and steel products, including:

• Iron ore;
• Pig iron;
• Blooms;
• Billets;
• Slabs. 

These serve as raw materials for further processing within Egyptian steel mills.

Egypt’s iron and steel import demand is expected to rise in the coming years, driven by infrastructural development and industrial growth. The country aims to increase domestic steel production through capacity expansion and modernization of existing facilities.

Egypt’s economy relies heavily on a steady flow of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) imports. From powering homes to driving industrial growth, these imports play a crucial role in the country’s development. Let’s dive deeper into this dynamic sector.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported US$4.05 billion worth of EEE, showcasing its dependence on this vital sector.

Product Diversity
The import spectrum encompasses a wide range of items, including:

• Household appliances. Refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and air conditioners;
• Industrial equipment. Motors, transformers, generators, essential for manufacturing and infrastructure development;
• Telecommunications equipment. Smartphones, base stations, internet routers, enabling communication and connectivity;
• Medical equipment. X-ray machines, MRI scanners, diagnostic tools, crucial for healthcare services;
• Electronic components. Semiconductors, microchips, printed circuit boards, form the building blocks of various devices.

Egypt’s growing population and urbanization are expected to further increase demand for diverse EEE products.

Egypt’s population and diverse healthcare needs require a strong pharmaceutical sector. While domestic production plays a role, the country heavily relies on pharmaceutical imports, making it one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in Africa. Let’s explore this sector.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported a significant US$3.43 billion worth of pharmaceutical products, highlighting its dependence on this crucial sector.

Product Diversity
Imports encompass a wide range of medications, including:

• Essential medicines. Antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, used for common illnesses and disease management;
• Specialized drugs. Oncology therapies, antivirals, rare disease treatments;
• Vaccines. Immunizations for preventable diseases, crucial for public health;
• Medical devices. Syringes, needles, catheters, essential for administering medications and treatments.

While trains and trams are needed for specific transportation needs, a  wide range of motor vehicles play a crucial role in personal mobility, commerce, and industrial activities.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported an impressive US$2.91 billion worth of vehicles other than railway and tramway, highlighting the sector’s economic importance.

Vehicle Types
The import spectrum encompasses a wide range, including:

• Passenger cars. From sedans and SUVs to hatchbacks and luxury vehicles, for individual and family transportation needs;
• Commercial vehicles. Trucks, buses, vans, and pickups are essential for freight transportation, public transport, and various commercial activities;
• Special purpose vehicles. Ambulances, fire trucks, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery fulfill specific roles in various sectors.

Egypt has a huge railway network, playing a vital role in passenger and freight transportation. While the country has domestic locomotive and rolling stock production, it also relies on strategic imports to meet its evolving needs. Let’s have a look at this dynamic sector.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported an estimated US$800 million worth of railway and tramway locomotives, rolling stock, and equipment, signifying its investment in this crucial infrastructure.

Product Diversity
Imports encompass a wide range of items, including:

• Locomotives. Diesel, electric, and hybrid locomotives for passenger and freight trains, sourced for power and efficiency upgrades;
• Passenger coaches. Modern coaches offering improved comfort, safety, and accessibility features for a better travel experience;
• Freight wagons. Covered wagons, tankers, and specialized wagons catering to diverse cargo transportation needs;
• Tramway vehicles. Modern low-floor trams for expanding urban tram networks and promoting sustainable transportation;
• Signaling and track equipment. Advanced signaling systems, tracks, and maintenance equipment for improved safety and efficiency.

Egypt’s ambitious railway expansion plans, including high-speed lines and new urban tram networks, will drive future import needs.

While Egypt possesses domestic iron ore resources and steel production facilities, it significantly relies on imports of various articles of iron or steel to meet its diverse and growing needs.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported US$1.65 billion worth of iron and steel articles, highlighting its dependence on this crucial market.

Product Diversity
This encompasses a wide range of products, including:

• Bars;
• Rods;
• Angles;
• Sheets;
• Plates;
• Pipes, and others. 

These items are used in various sectors like construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Egypt, despite its diverse landscape, has a significant demand for wood and wood products. The country relies heavily on imports to meet this need, fueling various sectors like construction, furniture, and even energy production.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported US$1.5 billion worth of wood and wood products, signifying its importance in the economy.

Product Diversity
Imports encompass a wide range of wood-based items, including:

• Sawn timber. Planks, beams, and boards utilized in construction, furniture production, and carpentry;
• Wood panels. Plywood, MDF, and particleboard, providing versatile materials for furniture, cabinetry, and interior design;
• Pulp and paper. Raw materials for paper production, essential for communication, education, and packaging;
• Wood charcoal. Used for cooking, heating, and industrial applications.

Increased focus on environmental sustainability may lead to a shift towards certified and responsibly sourced wood.

While complete aircraft and spacecraft are rarely imported, specific parts and components play a crucial role in Egypt’s aviation and space sectors. Here’s a breakdown.

Import Landscape
In 2022, Egypt imported aircraft and spacecraft parts with a total value of $726 million.

Product Diversity
Aircraft parts imported in Egypt include:

• Engines. High-performance jet and turboprop engines for commercial and military aircraft are primarily imported from established manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and GE Aviation;
• Avionics. Advanced navigation, communication, and flight control systems are sourced from companies like Garmin, Honeywell, and Thales;
• Landing gear. Specialized landing gear systems catering to different aircraft types are imported from companies like Safran and Liebherr;
• Other components. A wide range of other components like sensors, actuators, and hydraulic systems are sourced from various international suppliers.

Spacecraft parts include:

• Communication systems. Specialized satellite communication equipment for transmitting and receiving data is often imported from companies like Airbus Defence and Space or Northrop Grumman;
• Sensors and instruments. Scientific instruments for Earth observation, remote sensing, and other space applications are sourced from international manufacturers like OHB and Leonardo;
• Propulsion systems. Rocket engines and related components for launching satellites might be imported depending on the complexity of the spacecraft.

Importing specialized parts helps Egypt’s aviation and space sectors stay competitive and utilize the latest advancements. These imports support domestic jobs in aircraft assembly, maintenance, and repair facilities.