Russia Morocco And Egypt Pursue Bold Export Shifts

In a year marked by shifting global trade dynamics and mounting environmental pressures, the coal and building materials sectors across Russia, Morocco, and Egypt are demonstrating both ambition and adaptation as they chart new paths for 2026. Recent announcements from government ministries and leading industry players reveal a complex interplay of export targets, regulatory reforms, and sustainability commitments that could reshape these industries for years to come.

At the heart of these developments is Russia’s continued dominance in the global grain market, as underscored by the Russian Ministry of Finance’s statement during the "Galfoud 2026" expo in Dubai. According to RT, Russian officials proudly announced that the nation’s total grain exports had hit 50 million tons in 2025, with a staggering 41 million tons coming from wheat alone. This solidifies Russia’s position as a world leader in grain exports, a status the country appears eager to maintain. Looking ahead, the ministry has set its sights even higher, forecasting an export capacity of 55 million tons for 2026. "This is the volume we can theoretically provide to our partners in global grain markets," the Russian minister explained, emphasizing the country’s readiness to meet rising international demand.

But it’s not just about volume. The ministry highlighted the stability of Russia’s export routes, noting that over the past decade, Moscow has supplied grain to 115 countries. In recent years, about 78% of Russian wheat exports have been destined for African and Middle Eastern markets, reflecting a deliberate pivot toward regions with burgeoning food security needs. By the end of 2025, Russian farmers had harvested approximately 140 million tons of grain, including 91 million tons of wheat—a testament to the nation’s robust agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Morocco is taking a more measured approach. On January 27, 2026, the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade unveiled a new plan to regulate and boost coal exports for the year ahead. The official export quota for coal has been set at 8,900 tons, according to the ministry’s code 02/DRFC/2026. This quota is governed by strict administrative and legal requirements, including electronic customs clearance forms that will be available starting February 3, 2026. The ministry’s strategy aims to balance domestic recycling needs with export opportunities, especially as global demand for secondary raw materials continues to climb.

Moroccan authorities have made it clear that only those exporters who can demonstrate compliance with all legal and commercial obligations will be eligible for these quotas. Applicants must provide detailed documentation, including export quantities for the current year, records of exports from 2023 to 2025, customs declarations, proof of available stock by the end of 2025, and a suite of legal and tax documents. "Any incomplete file or one submitted after the deadline will be automatically rejected," the ministry warned, underscoring its commitment to transparency and market discipline.

This regulatory tightening is part of a broader public sector effort to foster a more organized approach to managing recyclable exports while supporting local industries. As industry professionals have noted, the move comes at a time when waste recycling and the circular economy are gaining traction in Morocco’s industrial and environmental policies. By carefully managing paper waste exports, the country hopes to support domestic recycling industries and create added value through international trade.

Egypt, too, is making waves in the export market—though with a different commodity in focus. On January 27, 2026, Fintech Gate reported that Titan Egypt, a leading supplier of building materials, had launched a major new project to export coal to global markets. In partnership with the German firm Faros, Titan aims to ship up to 3 million tons of coal, significantly expanding Egypt’s presence in international coal markets and boosting export revenues.

The announcement came during a specialized media workshop titled "The Complete Picture of the Cement Industry," organized by Titan Egypt and attended by prominent industry executives and economic journalists. Amr Reda, Titan Egypt’s CEO, used the occasion to outline the company’s ambitious investment and sustainability plans. "We have increased our investments to reach 3 billion Egyptian pounds from 2025 to 2029 to develop our factories, support recycling operations, and drive the green transition," Reda said. He also revealed that Titan Egypt aims to export one million tons of cement in the current year, generating nearly $50 million in revenue. Notably, the company made a strategic decision in 2024 to halt clinker exports entirely, focusing solely on cement to align with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the national climate strategy for 2050.

Reda emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of the company’s operations. "We seek to make sustainability a fundamental element of competitiveness and innovation," he stated, highlighting efforts to expand the production of green cement with low clinker content and to use alternative fuels through Titan’s subsidiary, GAEA, which specializes in green energy. These initiatives, Reda argued, are turning strategic sustainability goals into tangible practices that contribute to a circular economy and the decarbonization of Egypt’s industrial sector.

Hany Genena, Head of Research at Al Ahly Faros, echoed these sentiments, describing cement as a strategic sector for the Egyptian economy. "The year 2025 saw a radical transformation in the performance of listed cement companies, which recorded record profits and operating margins," Genena noted, attributing the upswing to a surge in ordinary Portland cement prices and a near-full utilization of production capacity. He went on to say, "These changes made cement stocks the best-performing in the Egyptian stock exchange in 2025, with growth rates reaching 626% for some companies." Genena also projected continued strength in domestic sales, with expectations that local cement consumption would reach 57.6 million tons in 2026.

Across all three countries, the push for export growth is being tempered by a heightened focus on sustainability, regulatory oversight, and market stability. Russia’s massive grain harvest and export ambitions are being matched by careful management of export routes and destination markets. Morocco’s cautious quota system for coal and recyclable exports reflects a desire to balance economic opportunity with domestic industry needs. Egypt’s Titan is betting on both increased coal exports and a green transformation of its cement business, aiming to set new standards for environmental responsibility in a traditionally high-emissions sector.

As 2026 unfolds, these strategies will be tested by volatile global markets, shifting regulatory landscapes, and the ever-present challenge of aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship. Yet, the determination shown by industry leaders and policymakers suggests that the region’s coal and building materials sectors are poised not just to adapt, but to thrive in the face of change.