Egypt controls the Suez Canal, through which roughly a tenth of global trade passes, and operates major Mediterranean and Red Sea ports on either side of it. That geography makes the country a shipping and transshipment power far beyond the size of its domestic market.
This is part of the IFN country guide series. It explains how cargo moves into and out of Egypt, and links to the freight network we run at IFN for shippers who need a vetted partner there. The logistics network section covers membership in more detail.
Egyptian forwarders handle everything from agricultural exports and textiles to project cargo for energy and infrastructure, with customs and inspection procedures that reward local expertise.
What drives freight demand in Egypt
Egyptian freight demand is driven by:
- Suez Canal transit traffic. A large share of Asia to Europe cargo passes through Egyptian waters, supporting canal services, bunkering and transshipment.
- Agricultural exports. Citrus, potatoes, onions, strawberries and other produce ship to Europe, Russia and the Gulf in reefer volume.
- Textiles and manufactured goods. Ready made garments, home textiles and processed goods are significant export earners, particularly to Europe and the United States.
- Energy and infrastructure projects. Gas, refining, power and construction projects generate heavy lift and out of gauge movements through Egyptian ports.
Ports, airports and gateways
The main Egyptian gateways:
- Alexandria and El Dekheila: the principal Mediterranean ports serving Cairo, the Delta and most general cargo
- Damietta: a major port for container, bulk and gas related traffic on the eastern Mediterranean
- Port Said and East Port Said: the northern terminus of the Suez Canal, with a large transshipment and free zone complex
- Sokhna and Adabiya: the Red Sea gateways serving Cairo and the eastern industrial zones
What moves in and out of Egypt
Main exports: citrus and fresh produce, textiles and garments, petroleum products and gas, fertilisers, cement, gold and processed food.
Main imports: wheat, machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, plastics, pharmaceuticals, electronics and wood.
Import procedures in Egypt are document heavy and inspection driven. A forwarder with direct experience of the regulatory process will save more time than any rate reduction, so ask about pre shipment inspection and registration requirements for your product.
Practical notes for Egyptian freight
Import registration can be a blocker
Certain goods require exporter and importer registration before shipment. Confirm requirements early, because arriving cargo without the right registration can sit for weeks.
Inspection regimes vary by product
Food, textiles, electronics and chemicals each face different inspection and certification requirements. Your forwarder should be able to name them before you ship.
Red Sea and Mediterranean are different worlds
Port choice changes transit to Cairo, the Delta and Upper Egypt considerably. Match the port to the final destination rather than to habit.
IFN members based in Egypt
We currently have 3 IFN members in Egypt, all individually vetted before admission and covered by our cargo payment protection programme:
- Dispatch Global Logistics (dispatch-gl.com) – IFN GOLD FOUNDER
- Smart Express (smartexpress-eg.com)
- East West Express For Int'l Shipping (ewexpress.com)
Further partners can be found in the full member directory, and new Egyptian members are added as they pass vetting.
Why Egyptian freight forwarders join IFN
- Global partners without the guesswork. Access more than 235 vetted companies in over 93 countries through the freight network, so you can quote lanes you do not cover yourself.
- Protected payments. Cargo payment protection covers member to member transactions up to $30,000, which removes the biggest risk in cross border freight.
- Inbound cargo. International partners route requests to the Egyptian member who can handle them, so membership brings work in rather than only sending it out.
- Visibility. A verified profile in the member directory and promotion through the IFN marketing channels.
- Face to face business. Members meet each year at IFN Global Connect, where most long term partnerships actually start.
- Clear rules. Every member accepts the code of ethics, and breaches are published, so quality is enforced rather than promised.
Membership runs from $750 a year. You can compare the tiers on the membership plans page, and the logistics network overview explains what the network does day to day.
Related country guides
You can also visit our freight network page for Egypt, which explains what IFN membership gives companies based there.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a reliable freight forwarder in Egypt?
Use a vetted network. IFN screens members before admission, provides cargo payment protection and enforces a code of ethics, which matters in a market with complex import procedures.
Which Egyptian port should I use?
Alexandria and El Dekheila for Cairo and Delta destinations, Damietta for container and bulk cargo, Port Said for transshipment and Suez Canal traffic, and Sokhna for Red Sea routes.
Do I need special registration to export to Egypt?
Some product categories require exporter registration with Egyptian authorities before shipment. Ask your forwarder to confirm the requirement for your specific goods as early as possible.
Need an Egyptian freight partner?
Send us your product and destination and we will introduce the Egyptian member who handles it. Egyptian forwarders with import compliance expertise can apply for IFN membership.
Apply for IFN membership or compare the membership plans. You can also browse the member directory first, or contact the IFN team with your lane and we will tell you who covers it.
Source note: market and gateway details in this guide are compiled by the IFN editorial team from public trade and port data, and refreshed as members and coverage change.
