RIYADH: Egypt’s trade deficit narrowed 16 percent to $26.3 billion in the first 10 months of 2025, helped by strong non-oil export growth and an improving external position, new figures showed.
The North African nation also recorded non-petroleum exports of $40.6 billion during the same period, an increase of 19 percent compared with a year earlier, strengthening the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy globally, according to a statement.
This comes as Egypt’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reported in September that the economy expanded 4.4 percent in fiscal year 2024/25, supported by a strong fourth quarter in which gross domestic product growth reached a three-year high of 5 percent.
It also reflects the impact of the more flexible exchange rate regime adopted since March 2024, which has helped stabilize the balance of payments and restore investor confidence.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Egyptian Cabinet Presidency stated: “Thanks to the open trade policies adopted by the state to maximize high-value exports, open new markets, and benefit from free trade agreements, the trade balance witnessed a remarkable improvement during 2025.”
In October, Egypt’s credit rating was raised by S&P Global to “B” from “B-”, while Fitch reaffirmed its “B” rating, citing reform progress and macroeconomic stability.
S&P said at the time that the upgrade reflects reforms implemented over the past 18 months, including the liberalization of the foreign exchange regime, which boosted competitiveness and supported a rebound in growth.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said at that time that both rating agencies’ decisions signal confidence in the government’s reform agenda and its expected returns.
S&P noted at that time that Egypt’s reforms have strengthened tourism and remittances and improved external and fiscal indicators.
Egypt’s tourism sector is also gearing up for a strong year ahead, with the Egyptian Tourism Authority forecasting a 20 percent increase in international arrivals in 2026, driven by greater regional stability and a packed calendar of entertainment and sporting events, according to a senior official.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the TOURISE 2025 forum in Riyadh earlier in November, Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority, said the country’s latest promotional strategy focuses on markets with high population density and strong spending potential — particularly China and India.
