Egypt’s non-oil exports grew 17% y-o-y in 2025 to reach USD 48.6 bn, according to a statement from the Investment Ministry. While imports saw a more modest 5% increase to USD 83.0 bn, leading to a 9% contraction in the non-oil trade deficit, which ended the year at USD 34.4 bn

The drivers: The surge was propelled by a massive spike in gold exports, which more than doubled to USD 7.6 bn from USD 3.2 bn in 2024. Building materials remained the top-earning sector at nearly USD 14.9 bn, followed by chemicals and fertilizers (USD 9.4 bn) and food industries (USD 6.8 bn). The UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and USA were the top destinations for Egyptian goods.

A nearly 20% jump in exports is a positive development, but there’s still a long way to go with the government still officially aiming for USD 145 bn in annual exports by 2030. To close the gap, the Madbouly government has been working to keep our exports competitive in the global markets by raising allocations for export subsidies and industrial localization programs in the next budget, clearing EGP 60 bn in overdue exports arrears, easing investment burdens by unifying fees, and port clearance times.

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