Egypt Moves to Shield Steel Industry with Provisional Safeguard Tariffs
Here’s a development that’s reshaping steel trade flows into Egypt. Cairo just made a decisive move to protect its domestic steel industry, imposing provisional safeguard duties on imported hot-rolled flat steel products. This isn’t just a minor policy adjustment—it’s a significant intervention that will recalibrate supply chains and pricing dynamics for the better part of a year .
The Egyptian Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade confirmed that a 13.6% ad valorem duty (with a minimum specific duty of 3,673 EGP per ton) will take effect from September 14, 2025, running through April 1, 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive safeguard investigation launched back in April 2025, which examined import trends and market impact from January 2021 to December 2024 .
The investigation, triggered by petitions from local steel producers, found that a surge in imports had caused significant pressure on Egypt’s domestic industry. The Egypt hot-rolled steel safeguard duty specifically targets a wide range of products under HS codes including 7208.10, 7208.25, 7208.26, 7208.27, 7208.36, 7208.37, 7208.38, 7208.39, 7208.40, 7208.51, 7208.52, 7208.53, 7208.54, 7208.90, 7211.14, 7211.19, 7225.30, 7225.40, 7226.91, and 7226.99 .
What does this mean for the market? Importers and traders now face substantially higher costs for bringing these products into Egypt. The minimum specific duty mechanism ensures that even lower-priced shipments contribute a meaningful amount to government coffers. Market participants have a limited window to adjust their sourcing strategies, with many likely to seek alternative suppliers not subject to these duties or to absorb the cost increases .
This move aligns with a broader global trend of increasing trade protectionism in the steel sector. Just months earlier, the European Union imposed its own duties on hot-rolled coils from several countries. Egypt’s decision reflects a growing willingness among developing economies to use WTO-compatible trade defense instruments to protect strategic domestic industries .
The provisional measures will remain in effect while Egypt continues its investigation. A final determination on whether to impose definitive measures is expected in the coming months. Interested parties have opportunities to participate in the process and make their views known to Egyptian authorities .
Simplify Your Sourcing with LYH Steel
- Understanding China’s main mills and plate specs is essential. But navigating brands, standards, pricing, and logistics can be complex and time-consuming.
- Smart Matching: We pinpoint the best mill and product based on your specific needs (performance, size, surface, budget, timing). We work with all major suppliers.
- Cost Savings: Leverage our market knowledge and volume to secure the most competitive prices.
- Quality Assurance: We manage supplier vetting and inspect key specs (chemistry, flatness, gauge) before shipment. Full documentation provided.
- Hassle-Free Execution: We handle ordering, production tracking, shipping, and customs, making your purchase smooth and efficient.
Choose LYH Steel for more than just stainless steel plates – gain a reliable partner to optimize your China supply chain and maximize value.