Egyptian Chemical Shipments to China Expand Sharply
Egyptian chemical and fertiliser exports to China reached US$287 million in the first eight months of 2026, up 678% from US$37 million a year earlier. The broader chemical and fertiliser sector increased exports 30.2% to US$8.25 billion, with China entering its top ten markets. Egyptian exporters are scheduled to present glass and plastic household products at the Canton Fair from 23 to 27 October.
Egypt’s chemical and fertiliser sector exported $8.25 billion in Jan-Aug 2026, versus $6.34 billion a year earlier. It supplies about 24% of non-oil-and-gas exports and ranks first by value. China entered the top ten buyers; those markets took $4.62 billion, or 56% of sector sales. Türkiye led at about $943 million, followed by Italy and India, whose purchases reached $627 million, up roughly 325%. Petrochemicals grew fastest, rising 86.2% to $2.03 billion.
Exporters will show glass and plastic household goods at a joint Egyptian stand at the Canton Fair on 23-27 October. The council has not said which products Chinese buyers are taking or whether the increase can be sustained.
The jump could strengthen Egypt’s foreign-currency earnings and support jobs in chemical plants, fertiliser production and port logistics. Exporters and their workers may benefit from larger Chinese orders, while farmers could face tighter domestic fertiliser availability or higher prices if export volumes keep rising. Chinese buyers may gain another supplier, but the data do not show whether the increase is durable or how it affects Egyptian households.