Egypt's Trade Deficit Narrows by 29% as Exports Surge
Egypt's shrinking trade deficit in February 2025 signal a strengthening economy in the face of global market pressures.
May 16, 2025
In February 2025, the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) recorded a 24.1% year-on-year rise in exports from Egypt, with the trade deficit shrinking by 29.1%. The trade deficit narrowed to USD 2.33 billion, down from USD 3.28 billion in February 2024.
Total exports reached USD 4.43 billion, up from USD 3.57 billion last year, driven by growth in key sectors. Ready-made garments rose 30.6%, petroleum products 12.2%, food preparations (including pasta) 9.3%, and primary plastics 3.4%.
However, some sectors saw declines; fresh fruit exports dropped by 9.9%, fertilizers dropped by 17.2%, potatoes by 5.2%, and iron and steel products - including rods, wires, and corners - fell by 32.3%.
Imports declined by 1.4% to USD 6.76 billion, down from USD 6.85 billion the previous year. Notable increases included petroleum products (up 12.6%), natural gas (up 150.6%), corn (up 40.8%), and soybeans (up 12.9%).
Conversely, wheat imports fell 13.2%, raw iron or steel dropped 33.7%, pharmaceuticals declined 2.9%, and plastics in primary forms were down 6.8%.
The data reflects Egypt's broader strategy to boost exports and rein in imports to ease pressure on foreign currency reserves and bolster economic stability.
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