Egypt’s Foreign Trade Indicators – January 2026: An Analytical Reading of the Figures and Trends

By: Monjed Ibrahim
Introduction
The foreign trade data for Egypt in January 2026, issued by the General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) regarding non-petroleum exports and imports, presents a complex picture of the Egyptian economy. It combines the persistence of structural challenges in the overall trade balance with the emergence of promising opportunities in trade relations with the African continent, particularly with Sudan.
These indicators gain additional importance in light of regional developments, disruptions in global supply chains, and Egypt’s ongoing efforts to boost exports and reduce the trade deficit.
First: Egyptian Exports – Relative Decline with Latent Opportunities
Egypt’s total exports to the world during January 2026 amounted to approximately $3.66 billion, a level lower than the average recorded during the previous year. This indicates continued pressure on export capacity, whether due to slowing global demand or rising production and shipping costs.
At the African level, Egyptian exports totalled $568 million, while exports to Sudan amounted to $89.2 million.
Despite the relative decline, these figures confirm that Africa – and Sudan in particular – continues to represent a strategic market for Egyptian exports, with strong potential for rapid growth if export financing and credit-guarantee mechanisms become more readily available.
Second: Imports – Continued Pressure on the Trade Balance
Egypt’s imports of non-petroleum goods from the world reached approximately $7.2 billion during the same month, reflecting an increase compared with the previous year. This explains the persistence of a global trade deficit of roughly $3.5 billion.
In contrast:
Imports from Africa reached $154 million, a level comparable with the previous year.
Imports from Sudan totalled only $22 million, close to the average monthly level over the past year (around $23 million).
This figure remains modest relative to Sudan’s export potential, particularly in grains, oils, cash crops, livestock, and gold.
Third: Trade Balance – Global Deficit and African Surplus
The data reveal an important paradox:
Global trade deficit: –$3.5 billion
Trade surplus with Africa: +$414 million
Trade surplus with Sudan: +$67.2 million
These figures highlight a key reality: regional economic integration is one of the most practical ways to reduce Egypt’s overall trade deficit. This can be achieved by directing exports towards geographically closer markets that are less competitive than European or Asian markets.
However, Africa still requires further efforts to become a major destination for Egyptian exports.
Fourth: Sudan’s Exports to Egypt – Strategic Commodities
Sudan’s most significant exports to Egypt included:
Sesame
7,580 tonnes
Value: $11 million
This relatively large figure indicates a successful sesame harvest season, with expectations that Sudan’s sesame exports to Egypt could exceed 50,000 tonnes this year, confirming a clear recovery in the sector.
Live Animals (Camels and Cattle)
Imports remain relatively low:
1,302 head of cattle
2,947 camels
These figures represent less than 25% of pre-war levels, mainly because livestock-producing regions remain affected by the war, making transport to Egypt difficult.
Watermelon Seeds and Cotton
These products clearly demonstrate Sudan’s role as a supplier of raw agricultural and livestock commodities, creating opportunities for Egypt to add value through food processing, vegetable oil production, and textile manufacturing.
Imports included:
Cotton: $3.6 million (around 2,200 tonnes)
Watermelon seeds: 1,922 tonnes, valued at $2.3 million
The report also notes the emergence of small exports of marble and fish to Egypt, which may increase during the coming months.
Notably, no gold exports from Sudan to Egypt were recorded in January.
Fifth: Egypt’s Exports to Sudan – A Key Role in Reconstruction
Data show that Egyptian exports to Sudan are concentrated in sectors directly linked to post-war reconstruction, including:
Reinforcing Steel
Over 17,000 tonnes in January
Expected to reach 250,000 tonnes by the end of the year
Sugar
12,000 tonnes
Value: $6.6 million
Cement
25,000 tonnes
Value: $1 million
Furniture
A notable development:
Exports exceeded $5.6 million
Around 1,000 tonnes
Furniture exports are expected to reach $70 million by the end of the year, likely reflecting the extensive damage suffered by Sudanese homes during the war.
Fertilisers
10,860 tonnes of urea
Total value: $5 million
This indicates a gradual recovery in Sudan’s agricultural sector.
Edible Oils
Exports of sunflower oil and olein oil totalled 6,100 tonnes, with sunflower oil accounting for 90% and olein 10%, valued at $4.5 million.
Pharmaceutical Products
Exports declined sharply to only $890,000 in January.
Flour
Another notable shift:
Egypt exported 5,360 tonnes of flour valued at $1.5 million, compared with 450,000 tonnes last year (an average of 40,000 tonnes per month).
This significant decline also reflects the recovery of Sudan’s domestic milling sector.
Conclusion
The January 2026 indicators reveal several key conclusions:
The global trade deficit remains the Egyptian economy’s most significant challenge.
Africa – and Sudan in particular – represents a strategic pillar for reducing this deficit.
There is a real opportunity to move from traditional trade to productive integration, based on:
Sudanese raw materials
Egyptian industrial processing
Regional export markets
There are signs of recovery in Sudan’s milling sector and partial recovery in agriculture, particularly the sesame crop.
Strengthening export credit support for Egyptian exports to African markets will therefore be crucial in maximising these opportunities.
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