Egypt's early attempts to industrialize during the 19th century were thwarted by the colonial powers who aimed to monopolize African and Asian markets, while exploiting their natural resources. It wasn't until the early 20th century that a limited manufacturing sector was developed to cater for domestic demands. The Second World War stimulated industrial growth and the beginnings of a major textile industry. The socialist government of Abdel Nasser emphasized industrial development and established an industrial base that continues to expand.

Cairo, Alexandria, ::I and the new industrial cities outside Cairo are modern Egypt's main industrial areas, producing iron and steel, textiles, refined petroleum, plastics, building materials, electronic products, paper, automobiles and chemicals.
Apart from textiles, most industrial products are made for local consumption.

Statistics

Labor force
19 million (estimation of 1999)
Unemployment rate
11.8% (estimation of 1999)

Industries
Textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, petroleum, construction, cement, metals

Industrial production growth rate
5% (estimation of 1999)

Electricity - production
57.8 billion kWh (estimation of 1998)

Electricity - production by source
Fossil fuel: 78.72%
::I 21.28%
Nuclear: 0%
Other: 0% (estimation of 1998)

Electricity - consumption
53.754 billion kWh (estimation of 1998)

Agriculture - products
Cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats; fish

Exports
$4.6 billion (f.o.b., estimation of 1999.)

Exports - commodities
Crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals

Exports - partners
EU 47%, US 14%, Turkey 8% (1998)

Imports
$15.8 billion (f.o.b., estimation of 1999)

Imports - commodities
Machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels

Imports - partners
EU 42%, US 16%, Japan 5% (1998)