U.S. Apparel Imports Grow 9%, Egypt Achieves Over 20% Increase in Exports

Eng. Mahmoud Ghazal, member of the Textile Industries Chamber and Chairman of MGS Group for Industry, stated that the U.S. market remains the most important global destination for apparel and textile exports, stressing that success in this market serves as a quality endorsement that opens doors to expansion in other markets.

Ghazal explained that the U.S. market is undergoing a phase of reordering its supplier selection criteria amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions in global supply chains. This has pushed importers to seek more flexible and reliable suppliers capable of meeting commitments—creating real opportunities for Egyptian exports.

He noted that the United States is the world’s largest importer of apparel and textiles, with annual imports exceeding USD 100 billion. U.S. apparel imports recorded growth of nearly 9% in 2025, while Egyptian apparel exports achieved growth exceeding 20%, with a notable increase in exports directed to the U.S. market.

Ghazal added that Egypt’s current share of U.S. apparel imports stands at around 1.4%, indicating significant room for growth—particularly in ready-made garments, products based on synthetic fibers and blends, and high-quality cotton presented as finished products with higher added value.

He pointed out that competition in the U.S. market is no longer based solely on price, but rather on delivery reliability, consistent quality, sustainability, and supply chain transparency. He also highlighted that Egyptian exporters face pricing challenges due to rising production, energy, and transportation costs, in addition to financing costs—necessitating a shift toward value-based pricing models.

Ghazal concluded by emphasizing that the U.S. market in 2026 is undergoing a genuine phase of transformation and selection, where success will favor suppliers capable of development, investment, and operating within an integrated export ecosystem.