Egypt’s Transit Trade Surges 40% Amid Global Supply Chain Shifts; Government Unveils New EGX Tax Incentives
Egypt’s transit trade experienced a robust growth of approximately 40% between March and May 2026, driven by a strategic package of customs facilitations. According to Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk, these measures were implemented to smooth the flow of goods and cement Egypt's position as a regional logistics hub, capitalizing on the shifting global trade routes following the Iranian War and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
In an exclusive statement to Asharq Bloomberg, Kouchouk clarified that the 40% growth represents the average performance across all Egyptian ports, highlighting that several individual ports recorded even higher growth margins during this period.
Customs Facilitations and Logistics
To accelerate cargo movement, the Ministry of Finance launched a three-month exceptional facilitation program last March. The initiative allowed transit shipments to bypass the mandatory Advance Cargo Information (ACI) registration process. This strategic waiver aimed to expedite the transit of goods and maintain the fluidity of supply chains connecting Europe and the Gulf via Egyptian maritime infrastructure.
In tandem with these efforts, Kouchouk announced a new guarantee agreement signed between the Egyptian Customs Authority and the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce. This agreement is explicitly designed to:
Expedite the entry and exit of shipments at ports.
Significantly reduce customs release times.
Bolster the competitiveness of Egyptian ports as primary logistics centers, particularly as global shippers increasingly rely on alternative maritime routes due to the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Capital Market Incentives
Shifting focus to the domestic financial sector, the Minister revealed new government plans to stimulate the Egyptian Exchange (EGX). A new 15% tax discount will be granted to companies that list their shares on the stock market. This incentive will be valid for a renewable period of three years and will take immediate effect upon the ratification of the corresponding law, aiming to attract major corporations to the national bourse.
These listings incentives coincide with structural adjustments to the unified stamp tax applied to stock market transactions, designed to simplify the tax regime and enhance market attractiveness.
Summary of EGX Tax Measures:
Incentive / Tax MeasureNew Rate / Details
New EGX Listings Tax Discount15% discount (Valid for 3 renewable years)
Unified Stamp Tax (Regular Trading)0.5 per mille
Unified Stamp Tax (Day Trading)0.25 per mille