Egypt’s trade deficit grew in January and February

Cairo, May 9 (Prensa Latina) Egypt's trade deficit grew 49 percent year-on-year to around $10.3 billion in the first two months of 2026, an official source reported.

May 9, 2026
19:10

The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) explained in a statement that the growing deficit is due to a decrease in exports and an increase in imports.

According to the agency, exports totaled nearly $8 billion in January and February, a decrease of $1.2 billion compared to the same period in 2025.

Meanwhile, imports reached $18.3 billion, an increase of $2.2 billion, CAPMAS noted.

National media outlets estimate that the figures for March and April will be worse due to high oil prices on the international market, caused by the US and Israeli attack on Iran.

Although Egypt exports petroleum products, it is a major importer of hydrocarbons.

Finished products topped the list of export categories, totaling $4.5 billion, followed by raw materials ($1.3 billion), semi-finished products ($1.2 billion), and fuels ($913 million).

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