Egypt denies halting Gulf exports, says trade flow continues via alternative ports

2026-03-16 - 06:06

Egypt on Sunday denied reports claiming that Egyptian exports to Gulf Cooperation Council countries had been suspended, stressing that export activity to these markets continues normally. In a statement the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, said reports circulated by some news websites about halting Egyptian exports to Gulf states were “incorrect.” It explained that the Egyptian Safaga Port on the Red Sea has become an alternative route for exports affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, reports Al-Rai daily. The ministry noted that international trade may occasionally face limited delays due to changes in shipping routes, insurance costs, or transport arrangements amid regional developments. Data showed a significant increase in export movement between Safaga Port and the Saudi Duba Port between March 1 to March 15, 2026, compared with the same period last year. During this period, the number of shipments rose to 38 voyages carrying around 4,200 consignments with a total cargo volume of approximately 105,000 tons, compared with 25 voyages transporting 2,406 consignments totaling 60,150 tons during the same period in 2025. This represents a growth of nearly 75 percent in export volumes along this route. According to the ministry, goods are first transported by land to Safaga, then shipped by sea to Duba, where they are redistributed to Saudi markets and other Gulf destinations. The ministry added that the route handles an average daily movement of about 500 refrigerated containers, transported by four sea ferries per day, with cargo loads reaching up to 12,500 tons daily. Key exports transported through this route include fresh Egyptian fruits and vegetables, as well as other goods that are re-exported under transit trade arrangements. The statement also highlighted increased shipping activity on the maritime route between Nuweiba Port in Egypt and Aqaba Port in Jordan. Daily shipments have risen from 60–70 trucks to nearly 100 refrigerated containers on some days, allowing Egyptian goods to be redistributed through the Jordanian road network to several regional markets. The ministry stressed that these developments reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to provide logistical alternatives that support Egyptian exports and strengthen the foreign trade system.