Egypt's two biggest markets for textiles and readymade garments are the United States and the European Union. The country’s goal is to increase exports from $2.5 billion to $10 billion by 2025. Last year, around one third of Egyptian textile exports and more than half of Egyptian readymade garments went to the United States. Textile exports to the United States represent a quarter of non-oil exports and 20 per cent of total manufacturing in Egypt.

Though the textile industry has been blossoming, representing 20 per cent of manufacturing exports, the much celebrated Egyptian cotton has fallen from grace in recent years. Egyptian cotton was once the bar against which all other linens and clothing were measured. Since the 2011 revolution, Egyptian cotton’s star has faded as cash subsidies from the government and output of premium cotton have shrunk.

Egyptian cotton has extra-long staple, demand for this type of cotton does not exceed three to four per cent of the total demand for all fibers. Production of Egyptian long-fiber cotton has fallen from nearly 2.5 billion bales in 1970 to just 3,40,000 bales today.

The industry has realised expensive Egyptian cotton can’t be used to produce cheap yarn. To be a major player, other fibers including short staple cotton have to be used. Nevertheless Egypt will not completely abandon the luxury cotton that bears the nation’s name.