Egypt Daily News – Mary Louis, the head of the Export Council for Ready-Made Garments, announced a significant rise in the sector’s exports, reaching $1.55 billion from January to July 2024, a 20% increase from $1.3 billion during the same period in 2023.
Exports to the United States experienced a 12% growth, totaling $661 million compared to $588 million in 2023. Exports to the European Union, the second-largest market for Egyptian garments, rose by 29%, reaching $363 million, up from $281 million the previous year. In July 2024 alone, garment exports soared by 37%, hitting $268 million against $195 million in July 2023.
The sector also saw an impressive 208% increase in exports to African nations, excluding Arab countries, amounting to $4.6 million, compared to $1.5 million in 2023. Exports to Arab countries grew by 31%, totaling $291 million, up from $223 million a year earlier.
Exports to specific markets revealed remarkable increases as well: clothing exports to Saudi Arabia surged by 77% to $93 million and to Libya by 61% to $44 million. Additionally, exports to Spain rose by 34% to $87 million, while exports to the German market increased by 20% to $82 million, and those to France grew by 33% to $39 million during the first seven months of 2024.
The Board of Directors praised the establishment of a committee including representatives from key governmental bodies focused on the industry, viewing it as a positive development for national interests.
Louis highlighted the council’s commitment to sustainability, clean energy, and advancements in agricultural practices, such as long-staple cotton cultivation and modern irrigation techniques, to enhance Egypt’s production and export quality.
She emphasized the necessity of supporting exporters with development projects that adopt innovative technologies and adhere to quality certifications and sustainability standards to penetrate the European market effectively.
