Egypt's Trade Deficit Widens to USD 47.8 Billion

Egypt's trade deficit widened 24.6% to USD 47.8 billion during the first nine months of FY2025/2026, up from USD 38.3 billion a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

The non-oil trade deficit increased to USD 34.7 billion from USD 28 billion, as non-oil imports rose 15.6% to USD 61.9 billion, driven largely by higher imports of intermediate goods. Non-oil exports also increased, rising by USD 1.7 billion to USD 27.3 billion over the same period.

The oil trade deficit widened to USD 13.1 billion, compared with USD 10.3 billion a year earlier. Oil imports climbed 19.5% to USD 17.3 billion, reflecting higher imports of natural gas and crude oil, while oil exports edged up to USD 4.22 billion. The CBE noted that Egypt introduced measures to reduce energy consumption and government spending after the monthly petroleum import bill increased from USD 1.2 billion in January to USD 2.5 billion in March 2026.

Elsewhere in the balance of payments, the current account deficit widened to USD 14.6 billion, while the services surplus increased 19.2% to USD 12.9 billion. Remittances from Egyptians abroad rose 32% to USD 34.9 billion, tourism revenues increased 14.9% to USD 14.4 billion, and Suez Canal transit receipts climbed 22.1% to USD 3.2 billion.

On the capital account, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached USD 13 billion, including USD 13.5 billion directed toward non-oil sectors. However, portfolio investment recorded a net outflow of USD 4.4 billion, largely reflecting capital outflows during the January-March 2026 quarter. The capital and financial account nevertheless posted a net inflow of USD 9.9 billion, up from USD 7.7 billion a year earlier.