Egypt’s imports up in Dec. ’24

Egypt’s imports increased 11.3 per cent to $8.11 billion in December 2024, up from $7.28 billion in the same month the previous year, the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) reported on Tuesday.

The increase was driven by higher imports of key commodities, including natural gas (up 105.2 per cent), passenger cars (up 17.0 per cent), corn (up 38.6 per cent), and plastics (up 15.8 per cent), as per the statement.

However, imports of key goods declined in December 2024 compared to the previous year, including petroleum products 23.6 per cent, iron or steel raw materials 12.9 per cent, medicines 22.3 per cent, and wheat 14.9 per cent.

The report highlighted that the trade balance deficit rose to $4.15 billion in December 2024, up from $3.67 billion in the same month of the previous year, reflecting a 13.0 per cent increase.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama