Egypt's Trade Performance Improves in February 2025 with Exports Surging and Trade Deficit Narrowing

Strategic Insights -

Egypt's trade performance showed a significant improvement in February 2025, with exports recording a 24.1% year-on-year increase and the trade deficit narrowing by 29.1%. The value of Egyptian exports reached $4.43 billion, up from $3.57 billion in the same month last year, driven by stronger performances in key sectors such as ready-made garments, petroleum products, and pasta and various food preparations. Despite some declines in export categories like fresh fruit, fertilizers, and potatoes, the overall growth indicates Egypt's ongoing efforts to strengthen its export base and manage import demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Egyptian exports surged by 24.1% in February 2025, reaching $4.43 billion, compared to $3.57 billion in the same month last year.
  • The trade deficit narrowed by 29.1% year-on-year, dropping to $2.33 billion, down from $3.28 billion in February 2024.
  • Ready-made garments saw a sharp rise of 30.6%, driven by the export of petroleum products, which climbed 12.2%.
  • Exports of pasta and various food preparations grew by 9.3%, and plastics in their primary forms posted a modest increase of 3.4%.
  • Fresh fruit exports fell by 9.9%, fertilizers dropped by 17.2%, and potatoes declined by 5.2%.
  • Egypt's total imports dipped slightly by 1.4%, reaching $6.76 billion in February 2025, compared to $6.85 billion a year earlier.
  • The value of imports rose for some commodities, notably petroleum products, which increased by 12.6%, and natural gas, which saw a sharp 150.6% spike.
  • Imports of critical goods like wheat, corn, and soybeans continued to rise, although pharmaceutical products and raw iron or steel materials experienced declines.
  • The improvements in trade performance underscore Egypt's efforts to strengthen its export base and manage import demand, supporting economic resilience and reducing pressure on foreign currency reserves.

Statistics:

  • Egyptian exports recorded a 24.1% year-on-year increase in February 2025, reaching $4.43 billion.
  • The trade deficit narrowed by 29.1% year-on-year, dropping to $2.33 billion.
  • Egyptian imports dipped slightly by 1.4%, reaching $6.76 billion in February 2025.
  • Petroleum product exports climbed 12.2% year-on-year in February 2025.
  • Natural gas imports saw a sharp 150.6% spike in February 2025.
  • Corn imports rose by 40.8% year-on-year in February 2025.
  • Soybean imports grew by 12.9% year-on-year in February 2025.

Sources:

  • Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) monthly bulletin
  • Dailynewsegypt