Egypt’s non-oil exports grew by 18% to $44.392bn in the first 11 months of 2025, helping to narrow the trade deficit by 12% to $30.346bn. Imports rose modestly by 4% to $74.738bn during the same period. Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib reviewed these figures from the General Organisation for Export and Import Control.
Egypt's trade performance showed positive momentum in 2025, with non-oil exports reaching $44.392bn from January to November, an 18% increase from $37.544bn in the same period of 2024. This growth contributed to a 12% contraction in the trade deficit, which stood at $30.346bn compared to $34.421bn last year. Imports, meanwhile, increased by 4% to $74.738bn from $71.965bn.
The data comes from a report by the General Organisation for Export and Import Control, reviewed on Thursday by Minister Hassan El-Khatib. He emphasized the government's strategy to position Egypt among the top 50 global countries in trade indicators, aiming for $145bn in total exports long-term. "The ministry intends for Egypt to rank among the top 50 countries globally in trade indicators," El-Khatib stated, highlighting efforts to simplify procedures, reduce costs, and leverage international agreements while safeguarding local industries.
The United Arab Emirates led as the top market for Egyptian non-oil exports at $6.580bn, up 131% from $2.845bn in 2024. Turkey followed with $2.949bn (up 1%), Saudi Arabia at $2.755bn (down 11%), Italy with $2.552bn (up 29%), and the United States at $2.470bn (up 21%).
By sector, building materials dominated at $13.672bn, a 39% rise. Chemical products and fertilisers reached $8.560bn (up 8%), food industries $6.350bn (up 13%), and engineering goods $5.919bn (up 14%). Agricultural crops added $4.204bn. Other highlights included ready-made garments at $3.096bn (up 21%) and medical industries at $898m (up 26%). Only printing, packaging, paper, and books declined, by 2% to $855m.