The Industry Ministry has unveiled a package of incentives to encourage investment in cold-rolled, galvanized, and colored sheet production, the ministry said in a statement. The move aims to expand Egypt’s industrial base, cut reliance on imports, and boost exports.

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Investors will receive competitive pricing and priority access to industrial land, flexible payment terms, and facilitated loans for working capital and production lines. Operating licenses will be issued within 24 hours of meeting requirements, while utilities including electricity, water, gas, roads, and telecoms will be provided immediately. Local producers will also be given priority in supplying major national projects.

Local manufacturers of metal sheets are also being supported by recently introducedsafeguard tariffs, with a 11.1% tariff on cold-rolled steel, 12.6% levy on galvanized steel sheets, and 4.9% charge on colored steel sheets coming into effect earlier this month. The decision is meant to protect local industry and encourage domestic production at a time when both Egyptian and foreign players are planning new steel investments in Egypt, a government source told EnterpriseAM.

Sheet metal is used in many industries, so the impact of plentiful and cheaper sheet metal will be felt across the economy. Sheet metal is metal that is processed into thin, flat pieces, which makes it easy to cut, bend, and form into different shapes. Because of its strength, formability, and relatively low cost, sheet metal is used in auto manufacturing, construction materials, household appliances, furniture, and even airplanes.

Localizing sheet metal production helps us localize feeder industries, which in turn can help us localize major strategic industries, Industry Minister Kamel El Wazir said.

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