Egypt, Djibouti trade records $122.4M in 2024
Trade relations between Egypt and Djibouti saw a noticeable decline in 2024, with total exchange volumes dropping to $122.4 million, down from $161.9 million in 2023, according to data released by Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) on Wednesday.
The downturn was largely driven by a sharp decrease in Egyptian exports, which fell to $108.6 million in 2024 from $152.3 million the year prior. Despite this, Egyptian imports from Djibouti rose to $13.8 million, up from $9.6 million in 2023—slightly narrowing the trade surplus in Egypt’s favor.
Egypt’s export portfolio to Djibouti continues to reflect its position as a key regional supplier of agricultural inputs and processed goods. Fertilizers led the export list with a total of $62.3 million, followed by flour and starch products ($8.6 million), essential oils and cosmetics ($6.3 million), soap and detergents ($6.1 million), and vegetable and animal oils ($4.6 million). These goods reinforce Egypt’s export strength in both primary and value-added sectors.
On the import side, Egypt’s trade with Djibouti remains narrowly focused. The entire $13.8 million in imports recorded in 2024 was attributed to live animals—a figure that marks a continued upward trend from $9.6 million in 2023. This signals growing domestic demand for livestock sourced from the Horn of Africa.
Investment ties between the two countries have shown a contrasting pattern. Djiboutian investments in Egypt jumped significantly, reaching $2.2 million during FY 2023/2024, compared to just $42,000 the previous year—highlighting increased interest in the Egyptian market. On the other hand, Egyptian investments in Djibouti fell sharply to $670,000, down from $21.4 million the year before. This dramatic shift may reflect evolving investment strategies or caution amid regional economic conditions.
The latest figures offer a nuanced snapshot of Egypt-Djibouti economic ties—showing resilience in certain sectors, while also signaling the need for renewed engagement and diversification in bilateral trade and investment flows.