Egypt’s non-oil private sector index hits 48.8 in September – PMI 

Egypt’s non-oil private sector continued to contract in September, with the S&P Global Egypt Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) falling to 48.8 from 49.2 in August, indicating a modest decline in business conditions driven by the sharpest drop in new orders in five months.

The report indicates that the headline index remained below the neutral 50.0 mark for the seventh consecutive month, reflecting a sustained downturn in private sector activity. The contraction was largely attributed to weaker sales and output, as firms cited subdued economic conditions, rising prices, and mounting wage pressures.

Employment levels were broadly unchanged after two months of growth, while business confidence fell close to one of its lowest points in the survey’s history. Purchasing activity declined for the seventh straight month, although some firms increased their inventory levels for the first time since May.

Input cost inflation eased to its lowest level since March, supported by an improved exchange rate against the US dollar that reduced import costs. However, wage pressures intensified, with total staff costs rising at the fastest pace since May 2024. Output prices also increased for the fifth consecutive month, albeit at a slower rate than in August.

According to S&P Global, the wholesale and retail sectors recorded the steepest declines in output and sales. Data for the survey were collected between 11 and 22 September 2025.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser