Egypt is considering adjusting measures to protect human rights in imports for the next three years

Egypt may amend its protective measure against the import of hot-rolled materials, which was initially announced back in September for a period of 200 days. According to sources, the Department of Trade Protection Measures under the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Trade recently proposed to adjust the trade restriction and introduce it for three years with a gradual reduction in interest and a minimum barrier.

On September 14, 2025, Egypt announced a protective tax on all import sources of HRC at 13.6 percent or a minimum of 3673 Egyptian pounds/ton ($78.5/mt based on $1 = 46.79 Egyptian pounds). According to the latest proposal, it was proposed to gradually reduce the tax in the next three years from 13.6 percent in the first year to 13 percent in the second year and to 12.5 percent in the third year. In addition, the minimum barrier will decrease from 3673 EGP/mt ($78.5/mt) to 3511 EGP/mt ($75/mt), and then to 3376 EGP/mt ($72/mt).

According to local sources, comments on the proposal will be heard within seven days, and then a final decision will be made. If the adjusted measure is approved, local HRC buyers do not expect any positive import changes, at least in the first year, that is, in 2026. Russia will remain one of the most likely sources of HRC imports, as its sanctioned material is currently the cheapest in the world.