Egypt has reduced inbound air cargo processing fees by US$80 per shipment to ease the transition as Advance Cargo Information becomes mandatory, reports London's Air Cargo Week.

From January 1, charges were lowered to $95 per consignment for six months. Officials said the move is aimed at protecting throughput and preventing compliance costs from diverting cargo to rival gateways.

The ACI system, already in place at seaports, now extends to airports, enabling customs to access shipment data before arrival. Authorities said this shift improves risk management and reduces clearance delays, which are particularly costly in airfreight.

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk emphasised a flexible approach, noting the fee cut acts as a stabiliser during early implementation. Analysts said the measure targets cost-sensitive cargo such as spare parts, electronics and apparel samples.

Experts warned that air freight elasticity varies. Pharmaceuticals and high-value components are less affected by cost changes, while fashion and e-commerce shipments are more likely to reroute. The fee reduction is designed to protect these volumes during times of uncertainty.

Egypt aims to position Cairo as a credible North African cargo hub, competing on speed, data visibility and compliance efficiency. Success will depend on execution, with risks including system interoperability and data quality failures. The government said the real test will be whether clearance becomes more predictable after the transition.