According to Mohamed El-Lethey, International Consultant in Quality and Sustainability, these measures specifically target critical sectors including steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen. El-Lethey noted that the mechanism—aimed at preventing carbon leakage—affects industries making up 33% of GDP that rely on natural gas for 81% of energy. “Without action, losses could hit $1.2-1.8 billion annually from 8-12% cost increases,” he told reporters, citing aluminium (78% EU-directed, $1.8 billion), cement (1.2 million tonnes a year as EU’s No. “This creates a virtuous cycle of savings, resilience and leadership in MENA green exports, up 25% by 2030,” he said. A $2 billion sovereign green fund at 4% interest rates would mobilise FDI and public-private partnerships for retrofits.

Source: Daily News Egypt January 08, 2026 14:18 UTC