The 82nd edition of Cairo Fashion & Tex brought together more than 850 Egyptian and international brands as industry representatives highlighted Egypt’s growing textile and apparel production capacity and rising export ambitions.
Held from 2 to 4 October 2026 alongside Cairo Mother and La Pyjama, the exhibition was inaugurated by Maha Saleh, Assistant Minister of Industry for Industrial Policies. The event took place under the sponsorship of Egypt’s Ministries of Industry and Investment, with support from the Ready-Made Garments Chamber of the Federation of Egyptian Industries.
Organised by Pyramids Group International, the exhibition covered ready-made garments, fabrics and production supplies. A hosted-buyer programme also brought buyers and visitors from 18 countries to meet Egyptian manufacturers and explore new sourcing opportunities.
Egypt Sees New Growth Opportunities in Textiles and Apparel
During the opening ceremony, Saleh said Egypt’s textile and ready-made garment industries have significant potential for further development, supported by the country’s capabilities in raw materials, design and manufacturing.
She identified Egyptian cotton as one of the sector’s main competitive advantages, particularly as international interest in natural fibres and more sustainable materials continues to grow.
Saleh stressed the need to expand the use of Egyptian cotton across different production stages to generate greater added value rather than relying primarily on the raw material itself.
She also pointed to flax as another promising opportunity for Egypt. Developing a more integrated flax-based industry could allow domestic manufacturers to supply higher-value products and benefit from opportunities in international markets.
According to Saleh, stronger integration between raw materials, design, production and marketing will be necessary to improve the competitiveness of Egyptian products. She also called for greater use of technology and market data to help companies understand target customers and identify appropriate export destinations.
The growth of Egyptian designers and domestic brands was another key theme of the exhibition. Saleh encouraged companies to develop products that combine a recognisable Egyptian identity with the quality, functionality and styling required by international markets.
Sector Exports Could Approach $4 Billion in 2026
Mohamed Abdel Salam, Chairman of the Ready-Made Garments Chamber, said Egyptian textile and apparel exports reached approximately $3.4 billion in 2025.
According to figures presented during the exhibition, exports increased by between 22% and 25% during the first nine months of 2026. The sector is consequently expected to approach $4 billion in exports by the end of the year.
Abdel Salam also highlighted a major change in Egypt’s domestic apparel market. He said imported and locally manufactured products previously held approximately equal shares, whereas Egyptian-made products now account for around 90% of goods available in the market.
He attributed this shift to the expansion of domestic manufacturing, improved product quality and the increasing ability of Egyptian companies to respond to international fashion trends.
Egypt’s integrated production base is another potential competitive advantage. The country’s value chain extends from cotton cultivation to spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, accessories and ready-made garment manufacturing.
Strengthening the connections between these stages could help manufacturers increase local value addition, reduce dependence on imported inputs and improve their position in export markets.
Abdel Salam said the development of the industry has also attracted new investment from Egyptian and international companies. Infrastructure, production integration and the wider business environment will remain important factors in determining the pace of future investment.
International Buyers Explore Egyptian Manufacturing
Dr. Mohamed El-Sherif, Chairman of Pyramids Group International, said the exhibition welcomed participants from countries including Türkiye, China and Russia, alongside a strong presence from Egyptian companies.
The organiser reported that more than 1,000 international importers and buyers attended the event. Around 600 participated with the support of relevant authorities, while approximately 400 additional buyers were invited by the organising company.
El-Sherif said the participation reflected growing international interest in Egyptian products and created opportunities for domestic manufacturers to build direct commercial relationships with foreign buyers.
He also emphasised the role of specialised exhibitions in connecting Egyptian factories with international markets. Participation in overseas events, hosted-buyer programmes and targeted industry visits can all help local companies introduce their capabilities to new customers.
The simultaneous organisation of Cairo Fashion & Tex, Cairo Mother and La Pyjama was intended to create a broader sourcing platform covering different segments of the apparel and fashion market.
Design and Egyptian Identity Enter the Export Discussion
The relationship between manufacturing, art and fashion was another topic discussed during the exhibition.
Industry representatives argued that Egyptian artistic and cultural elements could give locally produced garments a more distinctive identity. Combining these elements with modern design and industrial manufacturing could help brands differentiate their products in competitive markets.
However, transforming cultural identity into export value will require more than visual inspiration. Brands will need consistent quality, reliable production, suitable pricing and a clear understanding of consumer expectations in each target market.
Cairo Fashion & Tex demonstrated the expanding scale of Egypt’s apparel sector and its efforts to create closer connections between manufacturers, designers and international buyers.
With exports expected to approach $4 billion in 2026, the next stage of growth will depend on whether Egyptian companies can translate their integrated production base, raw-material advantages and creative capabilities into sustainable international business.
