Egyptian-Sudanese Trade Projected to Score $1.5 billion by Year’s End.

Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Moussa

An analysis prepared by Munjid Ibrahim Youssef, an expert in economic relations between Egypt and Sudan, based on data from the Egyptian General Authority for Export and Import Control, has revealed a significant increase in the volume of trade between the two countries during the first half of 2026.

The total trade volume rose to $759 million, compared to $570 million during the same period in 2025, an increase of $189 million. Youssef attributed this to the gradual improvement in economic activity within Sudan and the return of demand for many basic commodities.

Youssef explained in his analysis, a copy of which was obtained by Sudanhorizon, that Egyptian exports were the main driver of this growth, rising from $429 million to $595 million, an increase of $166 million, or nearly 40%. Sudanese exports to Egypt also increased from $141 million to $164 million, a rise of $23 million, or nearly 16%, indicating continued growth in bilateral trade, albeit at a faster pace in favor of Egyptian exports.

The analysis revealed significant changes in the structure of Egyptian exports. Chemicals and fertilizers saw one of the largest increases, rising from $38.7 million to $88 million, driven by the resumption of agricultural activity in Sudan and increased demand for agricultural inputs.

Exports of building materials also rose from $72.3 million to $110 million, fueled by reconstruction needs, despite a decline in cement exports due to the decision to halt imports of 46 commodities.

According to the analysis, furniture exports recorded remarkable growth, rising from $26.3 million to $70.8 million. Exports of engineering and electronic goods also increased, from $19.9 million to $41 million. The analysis attributed this to the return of citizens and the resumption of residential and commercial activity, leading to increased demand for home furnishings and equipment.

Conversely, the analysis indicated that some sectors experienced a decline, most notably the food industry, whose exports fell from $429 million to $160 million. Flour exports also declined, attributed to the recovery of the Sudanese milling sector and reduced reliance on imports, as well as the implementation of a decision to halt the import of several goods. Agricultural exports also saw a slight decrease due to improved domestic production in Sudan.

On the Sudanese side, the analysis showed an improvement in exports of several goods to Egypt. Camel exports rose to $38 million, and exports of sesame, cotton, watermelon seeds, and cantaloupe increased thanks to a better agricultural season.

On the other hand, gold exports declined due to a decrease in exported quantities, and live cattle exports also fell sharply due to a drop in the number of livestock exported to the Egyptian market.

The analysis showed that Egypt’s share of total intra-regional trade rose from 75.3% to 78.4% during the first half of 2026, while Sudan’s share fell to 21.6%. This reflects that the growth rate of Egyptian exports was higher than that of Sudan, despite Sudan achieving an actual increase in the value of its exports to Egypt.

Furthermore, the volume of goods exported from Egypt to Sudan increased from 1.2 million tons to 1.4 million tons, confirming that the growth was not limited to monetary value but also included the volume of goods traded between the two countries.

In concluding his analysis, Youssef predicted that the volume of trade between Egypt and Sudan would reach approximately $1.5 billion by the end of 2026, provided that indicators of economic recovery and improvement in internal conditions in Sudan continue.

He emphasized that the current figures reflect the beginning of a new phase in restoring trade relations between the two countries, gradually approaching the levels of trade exchange that prevailed before the outbreak of the war.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=16127