The Egyptian Chemical and Fertilizer Export Council (CEC) is considering establishing a storage hub in Libya as part of its strategy to boost exports to Tripoli by 100% within a year. Khaled Abou El Makarem, Chairman of the Council, told Al Arabiya Business that the first phase of the project would cover an area of 8,000 square metres.
Abou El Makarem explained that a delegation of Egyptian business leaders specialising in chemical and fertiliser industries visited Benghazi this July to inspect potential sites for a large storage facility. The initiative aims to meet growing demand in Libya’s infrastructure and construction sectors, particularly for products like pipes and building materials.
“We consider Libya one of Egypt’s key neighbouring markets due to the ease of land transportation and short shipping times. Having ready-stocked products in Libya will significantly support exports to Tripoli. A land bridge will link Egyptian chemical factories to these warehouses for regular supply,” he said.
Exports Expected to Reach $550 Million
The Council projects that Egyptian chemical exports to Libya could double to around $550 million annually once the storage hub is operational. In 2024, exports stood at $272 million, including $103 million in plastics, $94 million in inks and paints, $36 million in detergents, $15 million in miscellaneous products, $13 million in glass, and $11 million in fertilisers.
Abou El Makarem noted that Libya’s reconstruction drive is accelerating, with major Egyptian contractors already involved in large-scale projects. He confirmed that the storage hub’s capacity would expand in later phases depending on market demand.
Supporting Egyptian Firms in Libya
The Council plans to assist Egyptian companies operating in Libya through the Export Support Fund and provide marketing and logistical information on Libyan buyers and market dynamics.
