Egypt’s exports jump 28.2% in September as trade deficit narrows: CAPMAS

Egypt’s exports surged 28.2 per cent in September to $4.9 billion, helping narrow the trade deficit to $3.3 billion from $4.5 billion a year earlier, the country’s state statistics agency CAPMAS said on Wednesday.

The increase was driven by higher shipments of ready-made garments (up 27.4 per cent), pasta and food preparations (23.9 per cent), fresh fruits (40.8 per cent), and crude oil (26.6 per cent). Exports of some products, including petroleum products (down 31.6 per cent), fertilisers (3.3 per cent), plastics in primary forms (10.5 per cent), and dry legumes (24.9 per cent), fell compared with September 2024.

Imports slipped 2 per cent year-on-year to $8.2 billion, led by declines in petroleum products (25.4 per cent), wheat (3.1 per cent), primary plastics (16.6 per cent), and pharmaceuticals (22.7 per cent). Meanwhile, imports of natural gas (up 61 per cent), iron and steel raw materials (10.4 per cent), corn (104.9 per cent), and passenger cars (37 per cent) rose year-on-year.

CAPMAS said the data reflect Egypt’s ongoing efforts to boost exports while managing import demand, supporting economic growth and foreign exchange stability.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English