U.S., Egypt Advance Automotive Trade Partnership

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis Steven Haines announced a major milestone in bilateral trade: the Government of Egypt’s formal acceptance of U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards opening the Egyptian markets to imported American automobiles and automotive parts. Along with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Robert Silverman, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Dr. Mohamed Farid, Minister of Industry Khaled Hesham, and General Motors Egypt General Manager Rohan Fernandes, Assistant Secretary Haines toured the state-of-the-art General Motors (GM) automotive plant in 6th of October City, Giza, before making the landmark announcement.

"I am pleased that Egypt has opened a clear pathway to significantly increase U.S. vehicle and parts exports to Egypt, building on the more than $256 million in U.S. automotive goods exported to Egypt last year,” said Assistant Secretary Haines during the announcement. “These changes will also give Egyptian consumers greater access to safe, reliable, high-quality American vehicles and parts and will help unlock economic opportunity in both our countries.”

“For General Motors, this establishes clear, operational market access in Egypt — a step that has already enabled Cadillac’s return in May,” said GM Egypt and Africa incoming Chairman and Managing Director Rohan Fernandes. “It turns regulatory progress into tangible business outcomes and greater consumer choice for Egyptians. This builds confidence, enhances predictability, supports fair competition among global automakers, and strengthens Egypt’s position as a strong automotive market.”

The integration of U.S. safety standards is set to act as a powerful catalyst for the Egyptian economy. By streamlining the importation of U.S. vehicles and components, the revised regulations will enhance market competitiveness and lower costs for consumers. This agreement between Egypt and the United States will support both American automobile exporters such as General Motors and Egyptian businesses and consumers. Today’s announcement is a concrete example of how the U.S.-Egypt economic partnership creates prosperity for Americans and Egyptians alike.