Egypt’s non-oil private sector activity contracts in October – PMI

Egypt’s non-oil private sector recorded sharper declines in output and new orders in October 2026, as weak demand and the Middle East conflict weighed on business activity, according to S&P Global.

The headline Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remained unchanged at 47.2, marking the tenth consecutive month of contraction and staying below its long-term average of 48.2.

Output and new orders fell at their fastest rates in four months, while supply chain disruptions, weaker purchasing power and higher prices further affected business activity.

Employment returned to contraction after two months of growth, while business confidence fell to a seven-month low.

Meanwhile, input cost inflation reached its highest level since May, driven by higher import, energy and shipping costs and a weaker exchange rate against the US dollar. Firms consequently raised selling prices at the fastest rate since June.