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At the Egypt Energy Conference in Cairo, Jan Haizmann, CEO of ZETA (Zero Emissions Traders Alliance), delivered an insightful presentation titled, "Deep Dive: The European Union Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: What Egypt Needs to Know and How to Mitigate the Impact on Egyptian Industry."
Jan provided a comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming EU tax regime, emphasizing its potential effects as CBAM requirements are set to fully take effect in 2026. Given Egypt's substantial trade ties with Europe, especially in CBAM-regulated heavy goods like iron & steel, fertilizers, and aluminium, his message was both timely and critical. He underscored that Egyptian industries will soon need to assess the carbon footprint of their products for export to Europe, stating, “There is no option.”
He shared the success story of the EU Emissions Trading System (#ETS), now valued at €1 trillion, which has successfully reduced GHG emissions by over one-third in its 20-year history, playing a central role in the EU’s net-zero goal by 2050. He explained how the ETS and CBAM are designed to work in tandem to curb emissions from a growing range of goods entering the EU. Noting the absence of a carbon pricing mechanism in Egypt, Jan highlighted, “It’s time to think about establishing this.”
Jan outlined the potential impact on Egyptian products, the processes for measuring and verifying carbon emissions, and the importance of collaboration with importers to ensure compliance. He concluded by framing CBAM as an opportunity, noting that while the EU is exporting decarbonization policies, Egyptian industry can recoup its investment in decarbonization by pricing carbon and trading green certificates.
The session was an engaging and thought-provoking discussion, shedding light on the path ahead for Egyptian industries in an increasingly decarbonized world.
