Egypt Import Duty & Tariff Guide 2026
Egypt has a unique US market access mechanism: Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ), established in 2004, give duty-free base access to Egyptian goods with at least 10.5% Israeli-origin content. Since 24 July 2026 Egyptian goods also pay the 12.5% forced-labor Section 301 tariff, QIZ or not. No broader US-Egypt FTA exists.
QIZ in 2026: QIZ garments pay 12.5% (the forced-labor tariff only). Non-QIZ Egyptian garments pay MFN + 12.5% — 29% on cotton T-shirts.
US Import Duties on Egyptian Products (2026)
| Product | HTS | MFN | QIZ | +Forced-labor | 2026 total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirts (knit) — QIZ | 6109.10 | 16.5% | 0% | 12.5% | 12.5% | 0% if ≥10.5% Israeli content; otherwise MFN applies |
| Cotton T-shirts — non-QIZ | 6109.10 | 16.5% | N/A | 12.5% | 29% | Regular Egyptian factory without QIZ qualification |
| Woven trousers — QIZ | 6203.42 | 16.6% | 0% | 12.5% | 12.5% | QIZ benefit saves 16.6 ppts vs MFN |
| Nitrogenous fertilizers (urea) | 3102.10 | Free | Free | Exempt | 0% | Egypt is top urea exporter; MFN already 0% |
| Phosphate fertilizers | 3105.20 | Free | Free | Exempt | 0% | Egypt has large phosphate reserves |
| Ceramic tiles | 6907.21 | 8.5% | Free | 12.5% | 12.5% | Egyptian ceramics growing US market share |
| Marble (raw blocks) | 2515.11 | Free | Free | 12.5% | 12.5% | Sinai and Galala marble |
| Cotton (raw, not carded) | 5201.00 | Free | Free | 12.5% | 12.5% | Egyptian long-staple cotton; MFN 0% |
| Crude petroleum | 2709.00 | Free | Free | Exempt | 0% | Declining volumes; MFN 0% |
| Steel tubes & pipes | 7304.39 | Free | Free | — | 50% | Section 232 steel (50%) replaces the forced-labor tariff |
QIZ = Qualifying Industrial Zone (≥10.5% Israeli content required). S232 25% applies to steel. MPF applies per shipment.
Egypt Import Duty — FAQs
What are Egypt's Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ)?
Egypt's Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) are designated manufacturing areas established under a 2004 protocol between Egypt, Israel, and the United States. Goods manufactured in Egyptian QIZs that contain at least 10.5% Israeli-origin content enter the US duty-free — the same as goods under the US-Israel FTA. This arrangement was designed to promote Egyptian-Israeli economic cooperation and give Egypt duty-free US access for manufactured goods (especially apparel) without requiring a full bilateral US-Egypt FTA. Major QIZs are located in Greater Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, and the Suez Canal Zone.
Does Egypt have a full US Free Trade Agreement?
No. The US and Egypt have no free trade agreement. Egypt has the QIZ protocol for goods meeting the Israeli content requirement; the US GSP program that once covered some Egyptian goods lapsed at the end of 2020. Egyptian goods outside QIZ pay MFN rates plus the 12.5% forced-labor Section 301 tariff in force since 24 July 2026.
What does the 10.5% Israeli content requirement mean in practice?
For a garment produced in an Egyptian QIZ to qualify for US duty-free entry, at least 10.5% of its cost of production must consist of Israeli-origin content. This is typically met through Israeli yarn, fabric, trims, or other inputs incorporated into the manufacturing process. Egyptian garment factories in QIZ areas maintain supply relationships with Israeli suppliers — often using Israeli yarn or fabric in otherwise Egyptian-manufactured garments — specifically to meet this threshold.
Is Egypt subject to Section 301 tariffs?
No. Section 301 applies exclusively to Chinese-origin goods. Egyptian goods have no Section 301 exposure.
Does the forced-labor tariff apply to QIZ goods?
Yes. QIZ removes the MFN base duty, but the 12.5% forced-labor Section 301 tariff (which replaced the 10% Section 122 surcharge on 24 July 2026) applies on top. A QIZ-qualifying Egyptian T-shirt pays 12.5%; a non-QIZ one pays 16.5% MFN + 12.5% = 29%. Fertilizers and crude oil are exempt.
What are Egypt's main exports to the US?
Egypt's top US exports: (1) Textiles and apparel — both QIZ-qualifying and standard; Egypt's long-staple cotton (Giza cotton) is globally prized; (2) Fertilizers — urea and phosphate; Egypt is a major global fertilizer exporter through MOPCO and EFC; (3) Petroleum products and crude oil (declining); (4) Ceramics — Egypt is one of the world's largest ceramic tile manufacturers; (5) Marble and granite — especially from Sinai and Eastern Desert quarries; (6) Chemicals and processed metals.
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