Egypt Holds Public Hearing on Safeguard Measures for Steel Sheet Imports
On January 4, 2026, the Commercial Remedies Sector at Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade conducted a public hearing with all relevant stakeholders as part of precautionary measures against imports of cold-rolled, galvanized, and coated steel sheets. The session provided an opportunity for all parties to defend their interests.
The investigation follows a sharp and unexpected increase in imports, which has negatively affected the local industry amid rapid global developments and intensified international trade disputes. Consequently, temporary safeguard duties were imposed for 200 days by the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, effective from September 14, 2025, following the recommendation of the advisory committee.
The ministry emphasized that these measures aim to improve Egypt’s investment climate, ensure fair market competition, and comply with international trade rules under the World Trade Organization, as well as Egyptian Law No. 161 of 1998 and its executive regulations. Temporary duties are collected through importers’ bank guarantees, refundable if conditions are not met, and fees on imports used for exported products are reimbursed according to customs regulations such as temporary admission and drawback systems.
The investigation allows all stakeholders to submit comments and data, including government representatives from Saudi Arabia, the GCC, India, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Mexico, and Spain. Local industry representatives, including Al-Obour Metal Industries (Galfa Metal) and Kama Coating & Metal Works, as well as other producers and importers, also participated.
Authorities clarified that the safeguard measures are not intended to block imports but to ensure fair access, protect local industry, and maintain consumer interests. Certain non-locally produced items essential for other industries were exempted to prevent disruption to national production chains.