Egypt and the United States have held formal consultations via video conference as Washington prepares to launch a trade investigation into Egyptian steel rebar exports, over allegations that they benefit from unlawful government subsidies, Egypt's investment ministry said Saturday. The consultations were initiated under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, which require members to engage in discussions before initiating countervailing duty investigations. The talks came in response to a formal US notice indicating its intention to proceed with an official probe into the exports, alongside a parallel anti-dumping investigation into the same product. Egypt Rejects Allegations, Defends Trade Practices Yomna El-Shabrawy, head of Egypt's Trade Remedies Sector, led the talks and presented legal and technical evidence refuting the US claims. She emphasised that Egypt's export policies are in full compliance with WTO obligations, and no illegal subsidies are involved. Despite Egypt's defence, the US Department of Commerce formally notified Cairo's investigating authority on June 24 that it would move ahead with the case, El-Shabrawy said. An official notice launching the investigation is expected in the US Federal Register in the coming days, after which affected Egyptian exporters and the government will have designated periods to file responses and evidence under US law. Steel rebar is a key product in Egypt's industrial export mix, and US trade restrictions could impact Egyptian producers, supply chain partners, and regional market dynamics. The Ministry of Investment said it will continue monitoring the case closely, coordinating with the Egyptian Commercial Office in Washington, local stakeholders, and legal counsel to protect Egypt's trade interests and ensure a fair outcome. Egypt's Trade Remedies Sector said it will provide technical support to exporters and ensure the country's interests are represented throughout the process. The case adds to growing trade tensions globally as countries reassess industrial support policies amid inflationary pressures and shifting supply chains. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
