Egypt’s Current Account Deficit Hits $11.1 Billion in H1 2025, Trade Gap Up 47.4%

Egypt’s current account deficit increased to $11.1 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year, up from $9.6 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) on Monday.

The CBE attributed the wider deficit mainly to the rise in the trade balance deficit, which surged by 47.4 percent to reach $27.5 billion. The report also showed a significant drop in Suez Canal revenues, which fell by 62.3 percent, totaling just $1.8 billion compared to $4.8 billion in the same period last year.

Furthermore, Egypt’s overall balance of payments deficit grew to $502.6 million in H1 of the current fiscal year, up from $409.6 million in the same period last year.

On a more positive note, remittances from Egyptians working abroad surged by 80.7 percent, reaching $17.1 billion during the period. Tourism revenues also saw an increase, rising to $8.7 billion in the first half of this year, compared to $7.8 billion last year. Additionally, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows rose to $6 billion, up from $5.5 billion a year earlier.