Egypt cleared $105.3 billion worth of goods — including petroleum products — between January and mid-May 2025, as the government pushes forward with reforms to modernise its customs system and improve the investment climate. Composition of Imports According to Deputy Finance Minister Sherif El-Kilany, the total includes $43.5 billion in production inputs and raw materials, alongside $26.4 billion in strategic goods. In addition, non-petroleum goods accounted for $27.2 billion, comprising $11 billion in production inputs and $6.8 billion in strategic goods. Government Urges Swift Reform Implementation The figures were shared during a meeting on Sunday chaired by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly to review the progress of the customs development programme and the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system. Madbouly called for the rapid implementation of the proposed ACI reform plan, which he described as essential to Egypt's broader efforts to overhaul its customs sector. He also stressed the government's ongoing commitment to simplifying procedures and enhancing incentives to create a more business-friendly environment. Automation and Digital Integration El-Kilany highlighted Egypt's progress in automating customs procedures. This includes the activation of an automated item classification manual and the advancement of digital export transaction processing. Moreover, shipping lines, agencies, and container terminals have been instructed to integrate their systems with the national single window platform, Nafeza. In parallel, pre-clearance has been made more accessible through secure electronic payment systems, while the Customs Authority's website has been upgraded. Most manuals covering import, export, and customs procedures have now been completed. Facilitation for Authorised Operators El-Kilany added that companies on the "white list" and members of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme can now carry out customs clearance at their own premises. The eligibility criteria for AEO membership are currently under review to broaden participation, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. The number of authorised operators has now reached 664. Further Measures to Improve Efficiency Additional measures include efforts to reduce average cargo clearance times, the introduction of performance-based incentives for logistics centre staff, and enhanced coordination through joint inspection committees supervised by the Customs Authority. A nationwide training programme is also underway, in collaboration with academic institutions, to develop the technical and soft skills of customs personnel. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
