Egypt’s Chemicals and Fertilizers Export Council is preparing a comprehensive memorandum for Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly before January 15, outlining executive measures to boost industrial investment. Investments in the chemical sector are projected to reach about $1.8 billion in 2026 and 2027. Chemical exports grew 10% from January to October 2025.
The council, chaired by Khaled Abou El Makarem, is consolidating views and proposals from sector companies to produce an integrated policy paper reflecting growth priorities for the coming phase. The memorandum will emphasize practical investment incentives to attract new projects, enable expansions for existing manufacturers, support deeper local manufacturing, and increase penetration of international markets.
Investments totaling approximately $1.8 billion are anticipated in 2026 and 2027, driven by ongoing expansions and new initiatives, especially in fertilizers, basic chemicals, and specialty chemicals. These will involve both public and private sectors, fueled by enhancements in industrial infrastructure, the business environment, and the government's focus on productive, export-oriented investments.
Abou El Makarem indicated that the upcoming period will feature tighter coordination between the government and export councils to create a clear investment map for the sector, prioritizing localization of strategic industries, optimal use of domestic resources, and boosting the global competitiveness of Egyptian chemical products. The memorandum will also propose dedicated financing mechanisms to aid industrial and export-focused investments, accelerating project execution and capacity growth.
In a recent meeting with export council heads, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly underscored the need to double local investments, promote effective private-sector involvement, and formulate a comprehensive five-year investment plan with business community input.
Mohamed Mageed, the council's executive director, reported that chemical exports hit $7.723 billion from January to October 2025, a 10% rise from $7.027 billion in 2024. Fertilizers led with $2.244 billion (up 13%), followed by plastics at $1.802 billion and petrochemicals at $1.402 billion (up 22%). Other categories showed gains, including inorganic chemicals (+25%), detergents (+10%), paints and inks (+9%), glass products (+13%), intermediate organic chemicals (+20%), rubber products (+6%), and adhesives (+38%). Dry cells and batteries surged 72%.
Top destinations included Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Spain, France, Libya, Belgium, Lebanon, Morocco, and Algeria, accounting for over 56% of total exports. Notable growth occurred to Brazil, Spain, France, and Libya, propelled by demand for fertilizers, petrochemicals, inorganic chemicals, glass products, and detergents. Exports to Brazil featured fertilizers, pesticides, resins, plastics, tableware, glass items, detergents, organic and inorganic chemicals, intermediates, varnishes, and paints.
The council aims for $9.5 billion in total chemical and fertilizer exports by the end of 2025, planning to sustain growth into 2026.