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Egypt’s trade deficit narrows by 18% in first nine months of 2025

The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade aims to further expand non-oil exports to global markets in the coming period through a comprehensive trade policy focused on enhancing competitiveness, increasing value addition, and diversifying export destinations.

By: Business Today Staff

Wed, Oct. 22, 2025

Egypt’s trade deficit declined by 18% during the first nine months of 2025, reaching $22.7 billion, compared to $27.8 billion during the same period last year — a decrease of $5.15 billion.

According to a report issued by the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) on Egypt’s foreign trade performance between January and September 2025, non-oil exports rose by 21%, recording $36.6 billion compared to $30.3 billion in the same period of 2024 — an increase of $6.2 billion.

The Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade aims to further expand non-oil exports to global markets in the coming period through a comprehensive trade policy focused on enhancing competitiveness, increasing value addition, and diversifying export destinations.

 The strategy also includes facilitating trade procedures, maximizing benefits from export-rebate programs and free-trade agreements, as well as reducing customs clearance times and linking trade with investment growth.

The United Arab Emirates topped the list of Egypt’s largest non-oil export markets, with exports surging 169% to $5.9 billion, up from $2.2 billion in the same period of 2024.
Turkey ranked second, with exports totaling $2.3 billion versus $2.2 billion last year (up 4%), followed by Saudi Arabia in third place with $2.2 billion, down 12% from $2.5 billion.
Italy came fourth with $2.9 billion compared to $1.6 billion last year (up 29%), while the United States ranked fifth with $2.8 billion, up 24% from $1.6 billion.

Overall, Egypt’s non-oil exports to its top five importing countries increased by 42%, reaching $14.7 billion, compared to $10.3 billion during the same period of 2024.

The report highlighted that building materials topped Egypt’s non-oil export sectors during the first nine months of 2025, recording $11.6 billion with a 51% growth rate. The chemicals and fertilizers sector followed with exports worth $6.8 billion, up 10%, while food industries came third at $5.1 billion, marking a 9% increase.

The engineering and electronics sector achieved $4.7 billion in exports, growing by 11%, and agricultural products reached $3.6 billion, up 2%. Meanwhile, ready-made garments registered $2.5 billion with a notable 24% rise, and textiles and yarn exports hit $874 million, up 3%.

The medical industries sector expanded strongly by 25% to $707 million, while printing, packaging, paper, and publications slightly declined by 2% to $705 million. Home furnishings increased by 3% to $456 million, furniture exports rose by 11% to $277 million, whereas leather, footwear, and leather products dropped by 5% to $72 million.