The Egyptian government is studying the introduction of temporary safeguard duties of 13.6% on hot-rolled steel imports for a period of 200 days, according to an official document reviewed by Asharq.
The document indicates that the measure comes after the local industry suffered severe damage due to a sharp and unexpected surge in imports, which increased as a result of lower international prices compared to domestic products.
Imports Worth USD 260 Million in Half a Year
Egypt’s imports of hot-rolled steel sheets reached about USD 260 million during the first half of 2025, according to official data.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Industry is holding a consultative meeting to discuss possible safeguard measures against imports of hot-rolled steel sheets, as well as cold-rolled, galvanized, and pre-painted products.
Asharq was unable to obtain an immediate comment from the Ministry of Industry.
Hot-rolled steel sheets are essential inputs in a wide range of industries, including home appliances, engineering products, drilling pipes, tubes, and automotive and ship components.
According to the document, the duties would take effect the day after their publication in the Official Gazette.
European Restrictions on Egyptian Exports
It is noteworthy that last March, the European Union imposed anti-dumping duties of 15.6% on Egyptian hot-rolled steel sheets, with enforcement set to begin in October 2025, as part of protective measures for the European steel industry.
Decline in Local Production and Sales
Meanwhile, official data showed that Egypt’s rebar production dropped by about 7% in the first half of 2025, recording 3.8 million tons compared to 4.157 million tons in the same period of the previous year, due to a slowdown in construction activity.
Domestic rebar sales also fell by 3%, reaching 2.965 million tons between January and June 2025, compared to 3.058 million tons in the corresponding period last year.
Egypt currently has 14 rebar manufacturing plants, with the largest being Ezz Steel, Beshay Steel, Suez Steel, and El-Masryeen Steel.
