ZongXiang export a batch of a120 crane rail to Egypt

In the dynamic world of global infrastructure development, Henan ZongXiang Heavy Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer of steel rails and accessories, has once again demonstrated its prowess in international trade. On a bustling morning in September 2025, ZongXiang announced the successful export of a substantial batch of DIN 536 A120 crane rails to Egypt, marking a pivotal milestone in the company's expansion into the North African market. This shipment, comprising over 500 tons of high-grade rails, is set to bolster Egypt's burgeoning industrial sector, particularly in ports, construction sites, and heavy manufacturing hubs along the Nile Delta and Suez Canal region.

The A120 crane rail, a flagship product in ZongXiang's portfolio, is engineered for extreme durability and precision. Conforming to the rigorous DIN 536 standard, this rail features a robust head width of 120 mm, a height of 120 mm, and a weight of approximately 60.6 kg per meter, making it ideal for supporting overhead and gantry cranes with load capacities exceeding 100 tons. Crafted from premium UIC 60-grade steel, the A120 undergoes advanced heat treatment processes to achieve superior wear resistance, tensile strength exceeding 880 MPa, and elongation rates above 10%. These specifications ensure minimal deformation under heavy loads and harsh environmental conditions, such as Egypt's scorching desert heat and saline coastal humidity. ZongXiang's state-of-the-art production facility in Henan Province, equipped with automated rolling mills and non-destructive testing equipment, guarantees that every meter of rail meets ISO 9001 and CE certification standards, providing buyers with unparalleled reliability.

Egypt's selection of ZongXiang as a supplier underscores the nation's ambitious Vision 2030 agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure modernization to position the country as a global logistics powerhouse. With projects like the expansion of Alexandria Port and the New Administrative Capital's industrial zones demanding efficient material handling systems, the A120 rails will play a critical role. These rails are destined for installation in shipbuilding yards and cement factories in Suez, where they will facilitate the seamless movement of massive cargo containers and prefabricated structures. The import addresses a key challenge in Egypt's supply chain: the scarcity of locally produced heavy-duty crane components, which often leads to delays and inflated costs from European alternatives. By partnering with ZongXiang, Egyptian firms can reduce procurement expenses by up to 25% while enhancing operational uptime, as the rails' low-friction profile minimizes energy consumption in crane motors.

The journey of this export began six months ago when a delegation from Egypt's Ministry of Transport visited ZongXiang's factory during a trade expo in Shanghai. Impressed by the company's track record— including recent shipments to Zambia for mining operations and India for steel mills—the delegation initiated negotiations. ZongXiang's team, led by Export Manager Li Wei, conducted virtual simulations demonstrating the A120's performance under simulated Egyptian conditions, incorporating factors like sand abrasion and seismic activity. A customized order was finalized, including complementary accessories such as 3124 rail clips and insulated fishplates to prevent electrical grounding issues in electrified crane systems. Production ramped up swiftly, with raw steel sourced from Baosteel and rigorous third-party inspections by SGS ensuring compliance.

Logistically, the shipment departed from Qingdao Port aboard the MV Nile Voyager, a 12,000 TEU container vessel operated by COSCO Shipping. En route through the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, the cargo was secured in climate-controlled holds to protect against corrosion. Upon arrival at Port Said, Egyptian customs cleared the consignment within 48 hours, thanks to streamlined bilateral trade agreements under the China-Egypt Free Trade Framework. Local partner, Nile Heavy Industries, handled distribution, with initial installations slated for completion by Q4 2025.

This export not only reinforces ZongXiang's reputation as a trusted global supplier—boasting annual exports to over 50 countries—but also fosters deeper Sino-Egyptian economic collaboration. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade surged 15%, driven by Belt and Road Initiative projects. For ZongXiang, the deal opens doors to follow-on orders, including QU100 variants for lighter applications. Industry experts hail it as a win-win: Egypt gains cutting-edge infrastructure at competitive pricing, while ZongXiang accesses a market projected to grow 8% annually in crane systems demand.

As the first rails are laid in Egypt's industrial heartlands, they symbolize more than steel and engineering—they represent a bridge of progress connecting Eastern manufacturing excellence with African ambition. ZongXiang remains committed to innovation, with R&D focusing on eco-friendly rail coatings to combat climate impacts. For inquiries, contact ZongXiang at zxsteel@zxsteelgroup.com. This partnership promises to lift Egypt's productivity to new heights, one rail at a time.