RIYADH: Egypt’s exports rose by 4.6 percent year-on-year in May to reach $4.25 billion, supported by a significant uptick in petroleum products and ready-made garments.
The latest monthly bulletin released by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics showed that petroleum product exports rose by 53.5 percent, while overseas sales of ready-made garments climbed by 32.8 percent.
Egypt saw export growth in pasta and various food preparations, up by 21.7 percent, along with raw forms of plastics, which increased by 5.7 percent.
Egypt’s latest trade figures come amid currency pressures, inflation, and shifting global demand, with policymakers focusing on boosting exports and curbing non-essential imports to stabilize reserves and improve the balance of payments.
The North African nation’s trade performance reflects broader trends in global commerce as regional economies, including Egypt, work to diversify export markets and enhance manufacturing competitiveness.
Egypt’s trade deficit narrowed to $3.41 billion in May, down from $4.15 billion in the same month of 2024, according to CAPMAS.
In parallel, imports fell by 6.7 percent to $7.66 billion, compared to $8.21 billion in the previous year, driven by lower purchases across several categories.
Sector highlights
While fertilizer exports declined by 48 percent, and fresh fruit exports dropped by 4 percent, other categories also saw downturns. These included fresh onions, which fell by 3.2 percent, and non-crude petroleum oils, which recorded a 48.3 percent drop.
On the import side, Egypt reduced its purchases of petroleum products by 34 percent, raw materials of iron or steel by 20.3 percent, primary plastics by 15.9 percent, and iron or steel chemical materials by 18.9 percent.
Despite the overall decline in imports, the report highlighted notable increases in some sectors. Natural gas imports surged by 93 percent, while pharmaceutical preparations rose by 19.1 percent. Imports of wood and related products climbed by 17.7 percent, and passenger cars increased by 14.5 percent.
The trade developments come as Egypt continues to implement policies aimed at boosting industrial output and optimizing its trade balance through import substitution and export expansion.
