Egypt’s FX reserves cover 6.9 months of imports, above global norms

Egypt’s net international reserves rose to a record $52.6 billion in January 2026, covering about 6.9 months of merchandise imports and exceeding international benchmark levels, Central Bank of Egypt Governor (CBE) Hassan Abdalla said on Saturday.

The figures were presented during a meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The reserves are up from $33.1 billion in August 2022, reflecting stronger external buffers and an improved capacity to meet the country’s import needs.

Net foreign assets in the banking sector climbed to $25.5 billion by December 2025, the highest level since February 2020, driven by commercial banks’ net foreign assets of $12.2 billion. The CBE’s net foreign assets stood at $15.1 billion in January 2026, indicating strong foreign liquidity and resilience in the financial system.

Abdalla said the growth was supported by record remittances from Egyptians abroad, higher tourism revenues and increased foreign investment in government debt instruments, underscoring the strength of Egypt’s external financial position.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English