New tariffs on Egypt 🇺🇸

Hey friends, welcome back to the Egypt Weekly Roundup.

Before we get into this week’s top stories, I’d like to take a moment to remember legendary composer and musician Hany Shenouda, who passed away last week at the age of 83. Widely regarded as a pioneer of modern Egyptian pop music, Shenouda helped shape a new sound that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Above all, he was a lifelong lover of music, continuing to perform, create, and inspire until his final days.

In memory of Hany Shenouda, and in light of Egypt’s soulful summer season, I leave you with this song to remember him by.

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• New US tariffs on Egyptian exports 🇺🇸

• German technical schools in Egypt 🇩🇪

• Egypt condemns Israel's Al-Aqsa escalation 🇮🇱

EXPORTS | TARIFFS | USA
USA IMPOSES 12.5% TARIFF ON EGYPTIAN EXPORTS

The United States has imposed a 12.5 percent tariff on Egyptian exports as part of a new trade policy affecting around 60 countries, replacing a temporary tariff framework introduced earlier this year. The new duties place Egypt among countries facing higher tariff rates, with the measures taking effect as Washington moves to strengthen trade protections and address concerns over global manufacturing and labor practices.

Impact on Egypt: The tariffs could increase costs for Egyptian exporters selling to the US market, particularly industries such as ready-made garments, textiles, and other manufacturing sectors where Egypt has built a strong export presence. Higher import duties may affect pricing competitiveness and profit margins for companies targeting American consumers.

Forecasting: Egyptian trade authorities and exporters are expected to assess the impact of the new tariffs while seeking ways to maintain market access and competitiveness. The development also highlights the importance of diversifying export destinations and strengthening trade partnerships beyond traditional markets.

EDUCATION | GERMANY
EGYPT AND GERMANY LAUNCH NEW TECHNICAL SCHOOL INITIATIVE

Egypt and Germany have launched a new initiative to establish a network of Egyptian-German technical schools, expanding vocational education and equipping students with skills aligned with international labor market needs. The partnership will follow internationally recognized standards, with the bid to eventually have it become a part of Egypt’s national education system.

A skills-focused partnership: The initiative includes expanding dual education and work-based learning, updating competency-based curricula, strengthening private sector partnerships, training teachers, modernizing workshops, and introducing technical German language instruction for students.

Looking ahead: Schools that meet international accreditation standards will receive Egyptian-German technical school status, creating a model that can be expanded across the country to prepare graduates for employment in both Egypt and Germany.

ISRAEL | PALESTINE | AL-AQSA
EGYPT JOINS IN CONDEMNING ISRAELI ESCALATION AT AL-AQSA MOSQUE

Egypt joined seven other countries in condemning what they described as Israeli escalatory actions at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, warning that the measures threaten religious freedoms and risk inflaming tensions across the region. In a joint statement, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Nigeria denounced recent actions at the holy site, calling for respect for the site’s historic and legal status and an end to provocations.

A united stance: The countries stressed the importance of protecting freedom of worship and preserving the custodianship arrangements governing Al-Aqsa, warning that unilateral actions undermine regional stability and violate international law.

A sacred site: Al-Aqsa remains one of the region’s most sensitive religious and political flashpoints. Egypt’s participation in the joint statement reflects its continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in Jerusalem and prevent a broader regional crisis.