The GOEIC report for the January-October 2025 period showed significant overall improvement. Non-oil exports grew 19%, increasing by $6.466 billion to reach $40.614 billion, compared to $34.148 billion during the same period last year. Consequently, the trade balance deficit narrowed by 16%, dropping by $5.051 billion to $26.322 billion.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the largest recipient of
Egyptian non-petroleum exports between January and October 2025, receiving $6.328
billion, a substantial increase of 142% from $2.615 billion in the same period
last year.
Turkey ranked second with $2.652 billion, a marginal 2% rise
from $2.600 billion. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) followed with $2.520
billion, marking an 11% decrease from $2.822 billion. Rounding out the top five
export markets were Italy, which received $2.363 billion (a 28% increase), and
the USA, which received $2.264 billion (a 21% increase). Collectively, non-oil
exports to these five primary markets experienced a substantial 37% rise,
reaching a total of $16.127 billion. The growth was driven by several key
exporting sectors, led by Building Materials at $12.798 billion (an impressive 43%
increase), followed by Chemical Products and Fertilizers at $7.720 billion (up 10%),
and Food Industries at $5.766 billion (up 11%).
Other important sectors included Engineering and Electronic
Goods at $5.323 billion (up 12%), Ready-Made Garments at $2.808 billion (up 22%),
and Agricultural Crops at $3.894 billion (a marginal 0.1% decrease).
The Ministry is pursuing a strategy centered on an open, flexible trade policy to boost competitiveness. This involves maximizing value-added exports, reducing the trade deficit by closely linking investment and trade, and protecting local production through trade remedies consistent with international agreements. The strategy also focuses on opening new markets via balanced trade agreements and enhancing the utilization of Egypt's existing network of free trade agreements.