Introduction
In the global trade environment, where competition is fierce and market conditions are constantly evolving, the availability of accurate and timely information and data is indispensable. Businesses that leverage this information can make better decisions, optimize their operations, and stay ahead of the competition, ultimately leading to increased competitiveness and success in the global market.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) has played a pivotal role in providing free trade data and market access information. Utilizing various market analysis tools such as Trade Map, Export Potential Map, Market Access Map, Investment Map, Sustainability Map, and the Rule of Origin Facilitator, the ITC has laid the groundwork for businesses and countries to enhance their participation in global trade.
On an inter-regional level, the ITC, through the EU-funded Euromed Trade and Investment Facilitation Mechanism (TIFM), launched the “Euromed Trade Helpdesk,” a comprehensive free online portal that offers detailed information on trade and investment in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
This initiative aims to enhance the business environment, facilitate trade, and attract investment through a variety of measures and activities.
Empowering Egyptian Exporters with Euromed Trade Helpdesk Insights
The Euromed Trade Helpdesk is a comprehensive tool consolidating key features and information from various ITC Market Analysis tools into a single platform. Its user-friendly interface ensures easy navigation, allowing even non-experienced users to access the information they need quickly and efficiently.
The Euromed Trade Helpdesk offers numerous advantages to Egyptian exporters seeking to engage with European Union (EU) nations and other Mediterranean partners. Egyptian exporters can retain the following benefits:
Access to Market Information: The Euromed Trade Helpdesk provides detailed information on market entry requirements, including tariffs, quotas, customs procedures, and regulations specific to EU and Mediterranean markets. This helps Egyptian exporters navigate regulatory landscapes and ensure compliance with market access conditions.
Insightful Trade Data: The tool provides access to comprehensive trade statistics, aiding exporters in identifying market trends, potential opportunities, and competitive dynamics across the EU and Mediterranean regions. This data is crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Product-specific Support: Egyptian exporters can receive detailed guidance on product-specific requirements such as technical standards, certifications, and labeling regulations necessary for exporting goods to EU and Mediterranean markets. This ensures adherence to regulatory standards and enhances market preparedness.
Networking and Partnerships: The Euromed Trade Helpdesk facilitates connections by offering access to business directories, trade associations, and contact details of relevant authorities and organizations in EU and Mediterranean countries. This helps exporters establish valuable business relationships that support market entry and expansion.
Tailored Export Assistance: The tool provides personalized support tailored to the specific needs of Egyptian exporters. This includes guidance on export procedures, and market entry strategies.
Timely Updates: Egyptian exporters can stay updated on changes in trade regulations, tariffs, and market conditions through the Euromed Trade Helpdesk. Regular updates ensure exporters are informed of developments that could impact their operations or market opportunities.
Insights for Egypt’s Export Potential Opportunities in the Mediterranean
The Euromed Trade Helpdesk uses a methodology developed by the ITC; the so-called “export potential assessment”. This economic model is based on expected growth in supply and demand and relative market access conditions. It allows the users to have an estimation for potential exports in the next five years.
The Euromed Trade Helpdesk shows that Egypt has export potential of around USD 7.4 billion in the Mediterranean region within the next 5 years. The country is already exporting USD 3.5 billion (of products included in the ITC methodology), leaving a space for unrealized export potential of USD 3.93 billion more to be exported by 2028.
Among the nine Mediterranean countries, Turkey is the top market importing from Egypt, followed by Libya, Morocco, and Algeria.
Egypt has unrealized export potential of around USD 1.7 billion in Turkey, this makes up 57% of Egypt’s export potential in the Turkish market.
In terms of unrealized export potential, Morocco came second with USD 588 million, and Algeria the third with USD 433 million in unrealized potential.

As for sectors, Egypt has the largest untapped opportunity in the precious metals sector with USD 621 million, followed by USD 410 million in chemicals sector, and USD 380 million in plastics and rubber sector.

Insights for Egypt’s Export Potential Opportunities in the EU
The Euromed Trade Helpdesk shows that Egypt has export potential of around USD 11.5 billion in the EU. The country is exporting USD 4 billion, leaving a space for unrealized export potential of USD 7.5 billion to be exported by 2028.
Among the 27 countries in the EU, Italy is the top market importing from Egypt, followed by Spain, and France.
Egypt has unrealized export potential of around USD 1.4 billion in Italy, this makes up 60% of Egypt’s export potential in the Italian market.
In terms of unrealized export potential, Spain came second with USD 872 million, and France the third with USD 858 million in unrealized potential.

As for sectors, Egypt has the largest untapped opportunity in the apparel sector with USD 1.07 billion, followed by USD 721 million in fruits sector, and USD 595 million in plastics and rubber sector.

In summary, the Euromed Trade Helpdesk is a valuable resource for Egyptian exporters, offering critical market insights, facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements, fostering networking opportunities, and supporting strategic decision-making for market expansion into EU and Mediterranean markets. Leveraging this tool can significantly enhance the competitiveness and success of Egyptian exports in these regions.
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