CBE resumes USD access for car importers: The Central Bank of Egypt has instructed banks to begin processing car importers’ requests for USD-denominated letters of credit, ending a six-month halt, two sources familiar with the matter told EnterpriseAM. This policy shift comes as the CBE seeks to lift all remaining USD restrictions, with banks reportedly beginning to reach out to clients on Tuesday.

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We had an inkling that this was coming: Earlier this week we heard that the government was loosening restrictions on bank financing for non-essential imports including vehicles, which have seen continued import restrictions. Import backlogs have seen auto sales drop in September and August.

It comes with conditions: Imported cars by non-authorized agents will need to have at least two airbags, comply with local safety and security standards, offer aftersale services, and have its essential spare parts available in the market, according to one of the sources. Member of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce’s automotive division Montasser Zeitoun argues that these rules are too restrictive, adding to EnterpriseAM that the division is working on a memorandum to be forwarded to the Investment Ministry calling for halting the decision under which these specifications are required.

Another obstacle: Some importers are having difficulty issuing new ACID numbers — a unique ID number that importers obtain for their shipments. Authorities in August resumed the issuances exclusively for car dealerships and diplomats.

A look at the local automotive market at the moment: Rising prices on the back of the float of the EGP have caused the local market to shrink greatly, with vehicle imports falling from an annual 250k to 100k.

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