Egypt's Trade Deficit Falls for First Time in Nearly a Year

Egypt's trade deficit has fallen for the first time in nearly a year, according to data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). In May 2026, the deficit decreased by 0.3% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching $3.99 billion.

The decline was driven by a 3.58% increase in exports, which reached $4.53 billion. Fresh fruit shipments saw a significant boost of 40.3%, followed by crude oil exports at 56.4%. However, some sectors experienced declines, including iron bars and rods, pastes and food preparations, and ready-made garments.

Imports also increased, but at a slower pace than exports. Natural gas purchases surged by 96.8%, while wheat imports rose by 33.5% and petroleum products by 18.2%. Pharmaceuticals saw a decline of 39.1%, organic and inorganic chemicals by 24.9%, and plastics in primary forms by 15.6%