- MIFT Trade Remedies Sector (Investigating Authority) has confirmed a surge in imports that has caused serious injury to the domestic industry.
- All stakeholders will be required to submit detailed monthly data, with safeguard measures subject to review every three (3) months in light of market developments and data analysis.
- A 13.12% duty on steel billet imports, subject to a minimum of USD 70, to be applied for three (3) years with a phased annual reduction.
- A 13.7% duty on cold-rolled steel, subject to a minimum of USD 83 per ton, 14% on galvanized steel, and 14.5% on colored steel, with minimum thresholds of USD 93 and USD 122 respectively; with a phased annual reduction.
- A 13.6% duty on hot-rolled steel, subject to a minimum of USD 76 per ton, with a phased annual reduction.
- These measures come amid a global rise in protectionist policies, including tariffs and safeguard measures, placing pressure on countries with comparatively lower levels of trade protection, alongside a notable increase in global production capacities.
- Imports of certain steel products rose significantly between 2021 and 2024, increasing by 1,213% for steel billets, 116% for hot-rolled steel, and 86% for cold-rolled, galvanized, and colored steel products.
- The implementation of provisional measures has already encouraged some companies to expand production capacity in hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, as well as billets; thus, meeting domestic industrial demand.
Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade (MIFT), stated:
- “The final safeguard measures on steel imports are based on the findings of technical studies and investigations, which confirmed a surge in imports causing serious injury to the domestic industry, with a clear causal link between the two.”
- “Public hearings were held with the participation of the Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, and the measures were determined based on technical findings and a rigorous scientific methodology.”
- “Stakeholders are required to submit comprehensive monthly data for analysis, to inform appropriate policy responses to these developments and to assess their impact every three (3) months in light of evolving market conditions and data indicators.”
In light of the findings established by the Investigating Authority and the conclusions of technical studies conducted by MIFT Trade Remedies Sector—undertaken in accordance with the relevant domestic legislation and international regulations, and following consultations with all industry stakeholders in the presence of the Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, and following presentation to the Economic Ministerial Group and the Council of Ministers —MIFT Minister Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh issued decisions to impose final safeguard measures on imports of certain steel products, effective April 1, 2026, for a period of three (3) years, inclusive of the provisional measures period. These measures are enacted pursuant to Law No. 161 of 1998 and its Executive Regulations, on the Protection of National Economy from the Effects of Injurious Practices in International Trade, and in line with Egypt’s obligations under international agreements.
Investigations and technical studies, following the review and analysis of data and indicators related to certain steel products, have demonstrated a surge in imports of some steel products that has caused significant injury to the domestic industry (integrated and semi-integrated plants). A causal link has been established between this injury and the increase in imports. Imports rose significantly during the period from 2021 to 2024, increasing by 1,213% for billets, 116% for hot-rolled sheets, and 86% for cold-rolled, coated, and galvanized sheets. The investigation period—from 2021 to 2024—reflects the structure of the industry and the economy.
Ministerial decrees have stipulated the imposition of final safeguard measures, decreasing annually, by 13.12% on billet imports (with minimum duty of USD 70) for a period of three years, 13.7% on cold-rolled steel sheets (with minimum duty of USD 83), 14% on galvanized steel sheets (with minimum duty of USD 93), 14.5% on colored steel sheets (with minimum duty of USD 122), and 13.6% on hot-rolled steel sheets (with minimum duty of USD 76).
On 14 September 2025, MIFT imposed temporary safeguard measures for a period of 200 days on imports of billet products. These included a duty of 16.2% on billets, 11.11% on cold-rolled sheets, 12.16% on galvanized sheets, 4.94% on coated sheets, and 13.6% on hot-rolled flat steel products, following complaints submitted by domestic companies, and in light of the findings reached by the investigating authority at that time.
MIFT held meetings with all parties through extensive hearings, in the presence of the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade, during which each party presented its full viewpoint. While the Ministry affirms its understanding of the interests of both sides—integrated and semi-integrated mills, as well as rolling mills— to achieve their financial and operational targets—whether through calls to abolish the measures or to increase them. However, it affirms that it operates scientifically, based on data and technical studies, and in accordance with the provisions of the law and Egypt's obligations under international agreements. It further noted that the measures were determined based on technical findings and a rigorous analytical methodology.
These meetings come after the competent sector held three hearings for the three investigations, pursuant to Article 25 of the Executive Regulations of Law No. 161 of 1998, under which final decisions could have been issued without the need to hold the aforementioned hearings.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, noted that the final measures on steel product imports were based on the results of technical studies and investigations, which verified that the rise in imports caused substantial harm and demonstrated a direct causal relationship between the damage and the import increase.
He noted that MIFT will continue to take all necessary evidence-based measures, supported by data and indicators, to regulate the market. These measures include requiring producers and importers to submit comprehensive monthly data for analysis, enabling the Ministry to determine appropriate actions in response to market developments, with reviews conducted quarterly.
In addition, companies are required to submit periodic and annual financial statements—certified by an auditor—to support accurate assessments and effective decision-making.
In the same context, and in line with the Egyptian government’s vision to deepen industries with higher added value for the national economy, Dr. Mohamed Farid revealed that there is government coordination to study the issuance of decisions aimed at enhancing the capacities of the steel industry with greater added value and higher developmental returns. This is being pursued within the framework of Egypt’s international commitments and the provisions of World Trade Organization agreements, contributing to the strengthening of industrial production capacities that provide jobs opportunities, increase export value, and maintain a healthy level of competition within the industry.
In assessing the impact of safeguard measures on production and industry, it is evident that they have helped stimulate production and investment, leading some factories to contract new production furnaces and others bring the billet smelting furnaces back into operation.
It is worth noting that verified international reports and indicators have revealed a rise in protectionist policies worldwide following significant global steel overcapacity, which has negatively affected markets with lower protective tariffs.
Eventually, the minister emphasized that the Egyptian government has adopted a strategy to localize industries with high added value and strong developmental returns, based on a scientific analysis of the trade balance, and to proactively activate trade-remedy mechanisms to protect local products from harmful practices in international trade.
