Egypt's share of EU apparel imports doubles since 2021 as H1 shipments rise 29%
EU imports of Egyptian apparel rose 29% to $746.7 million in the first half of 2026, lifting Egypt's share of the bloc's apparel imports from outside the EU to 1.09%, more than double its H1 2021 level, a Fibre2Fashion analysis shows.
Egytex News Desk
Source: Fibre2Fashion
Egypt is steadily gaining ground in Europe's apparel market. Imports of Egyptian clothing into the 27 EU member states reached $746.7 million in the first half of 2026, up 29.0% year on year, according to an analysis published on 7 October by trade portal Fibre2Fashion, based on its TexPro trade data.
The analysis found that Egypt's share of the EU's apparel imports from outside the bloc has more than doubled since the first half of 2021, reaching 1.09%. Woven garments led the growth, and Spain was singled out as a key market. Fibre2Fashion also pointed to new investment in the West Qantara industrial zone, in denim and in Mahalla as factors deepening Egypt's yarn, fabric and garment capacity.
The trend matches Egypt's own export statistics. According to the Ready-Made Garments Export Council, as reported by Egypt Today in September, Egypt's garment exports rose 16% to about $2.53 billion in January–August 2026. Exports to Europe climbed 26% to about $1.087 billion, roughly 43% of the total. Spain was the fastest-growing major market, up 61% to about $227 million, while Germany took about $132 million and the Netherlands $116 million. The United States remained the largest single market at about $985 million, up 13%.
A 1% share is still small in a market of the EU's size, which is exactly why the direction of travel matters: Egypt is growing from a low base while European buyers look for suppliers closer to home.
What it means for Egyptian exporters
The figures confirm that Europe, and Spain in particular, is now the main growth engine for Egyptian garments, with woven products in the lead. Exporters with woven and denim capacity are best placed to win more EU business, and the doubling of market share since 2021 is a strong data point to use with European buyers weighing nearshoring options. Keeping that momentum will depend on lead times, compliance with upcoming EU sustainability rules, and continued investment in local fabric supply.
Source: Fibre2Fashion, 7 October 2026
