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Export from Egypt to Africa – How Chinese Companies Use Egypt as a Trade Hub
Learn how Chinese businesses use Egypt as a base to export goods to African markets. Explore trade agreements, free zones, logistics, and certified translation requirements.
Exporting from Egypt to Africa: A Gateway for Chinese Products
Egypt – China’s Strategic Export Launchpad into Africa
Egypt has emerged as a regional export hub for Chinese companies seeking access to the 1.3 billion consumers across the African continent.
Through its trade agreements, geographic position, and logistics infrastructure, Egypt allows Chinese products to:
Enter African markets with reduced or zero tariffs.
Benefit from fast shipping and customs clearance.
Avoid regulatory complexities faced when exporting directly from China.
Using Egypt as a base of operations, Chinese manufacturers and traders can assemble, package, and re-export goods across Africa efficiently.
Key Trade Agreements That Support Export from Egypt
COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa)
Egypt is a full member.
Zero customs duties on goods exported to 21 African countries.
Huge markets like Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, etc.
AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area)
Egypt is a founding member.
Offers access to 54 African countries.
Eliminates tariffs on 90% of goods over time.
GAFTA (Greater Arab Free Trade Area)
Allows export from Egypt to Arab countries in North Africa and the Gulf.
These agreements give Chinese firms a competitive edge when operating from Egypt vs. direct export from Asia.
Top African Markets Accessible via Egypt
| Country | Key Sectors | Shipping Routes from Egypt |
| Kenya | Electronics, Furniture, Building Materials | Mombasa Port (via Suez) |
| Nigeria | Appliances, Textiles, Auto Parts | Air + Container Freight |
| Ghana | Machinery, Medical Equipment | West Africa ports via Med |
| Ethiopia | Plastics, Solar Tech, FMCG | Red Sea & Inland |
| South Africa | Consumer Goods, Pharma | Suez Canal + Atlantic Route |
How Chinese Companies Operate Export from Egypt
- Set up an Egyptian entity (LLC or branch office).
- Import or assemble goods in Free Zones or SCZone.
- Label products as “Made in Egypt” (qualify for trade deals).
- Export to Africa with zero/reduced tariffs.
- Use bonded warehouses for re-export models.
Ideal Goods for Export to Africa from Egypt
Solar panels and energy equipment.
Smartphones, tablets, and accessories.
Agricultural machinery.
Textiles and garments.
Processed foods and canned goods.
Household appliances.
Tools, furniture, and plastics.
Chinese firms can manufacture locally or import parts for final assembly before export — saving on duties and shipping.
Logistics and Shipping Infrastructure
Egypt’s ports and trade facilities make export simple:
Alexandria & Damietta Ports – Serve North and West Africa.
Port Said & Suez – Red Sea route to East Africa.
SCZone Logistics Parks – Ideal for re-export hubs.
Dry Ports – Support inland container movement.
Air Freight – Cairo International Airport for urgent goods.
Documentation and Translation Requirements
To export goods from Egypt to Africa, Chinese firms need:
Commercial invoices.
Certificate of origin (Egyptian origin to benefit from zero tariffs).
Packing lists and inspection reports.
Trade license and registration.
Shipping documents.
All documents must be in Arabic (or bilingual) and translated by a certified translation office.
How COT Translation Services Supports Export Operations
At COT Translation Services, we help Chinese exporters by:
Translating customs, trade, and logistics documents.
Preparing bilingual certificates (English/Arabic or Chinese/Arabic).
Certifying documents for GAFI, Chambers of Commerce, and Customs.
Formatting documents for quick port clearance and legal compliance.
We work with:
Manufacturers.
Freight forwarders.
Export consultants.
Trade lawyers and compliance officers.
FAQs
Can Chinese companies export from Egypt without a local partner?
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of an export company under Egypt’s investment law.
Is it legal to label Chinese goods as “Made in Egypt”?
If goods are assembled or significantly processed in Egypt, they can qualify for Egyptian origin under trade rules.
Are Arabic translations required for export documents?
Yes. Most government, customs, and port authorities require documents in Arabic or bilingual formats.
How long does it take to set up an export company in Egypt?
With the right legal and translation support, setup can be completed in 2–3 weeks.
Conclusion
Egypt offers Chinese companies a powerful export gateway into Africa, thanks to its free trade agreements, logistics power, and regulatory support.
By setting up in Egypt and working with a trusted translation partner like COT, you can simplify operations, cut costs, and expand fast into African markets.
Call Us or Send the document via WhatsApp
Visit: www.cottranslation.com
Branches: Maadi – Downtown – Mohandessin
