Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s gold exports recorded an unprecedented surge in 2025, reaching $7.6 billion, more than double the $3.2 billion registered in 2024, according to official government data. The increase of approximately $4.4 billion highlights gold’s growing role as a key driver of Egypt’s export performance amid broader efforts to boost foreign currency inflows and reduce the trade deficit.
The figures were disclosed in a recent report submitted by Essam El-Naggar, head of the General Organization for Export and Import Control, to Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib. The report underscores a strong year for Egyptian exports overall, particularly in non-petroleum sectors.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Investment, Egypt’s non-oil exports rose by 17 percent in 2025, reaching $48.567 billion, compared with $41.507 billion in 2024. The growth reflects a combination of higher global commodity prices, expanding regional demand, and government-led reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and export competitiveness.
Officials say the sharp rise in gold exports was driven by increased production capacity, higher international prices, and stronger demand from regional and global markets. Gold has increasingly become a strategic export commodity for Egypt, particularly as the country seeks to diversify its export base beyond traditional sectors and mitigate the impact of global economic volatility.
The government has set ambitious trade targets for the coming years. The Ministry of Investment aims to position Egypt among the world’s top 50 countries in global trade indicators, increase total annual exports to $145 billion, and narrow the chronic trade balance deficit. These objectives are being pursued through simplifying export procedures, maximizing the benefits of existing trade agreements, and protecting local industries using trade defense instruments in line with international rules.
In 2025, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the largest destination for Egyptian non-oil exports, followed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the United States. The strong performance in Gulf and regional markets reflects Egypt’s deepening trade ties with Middle Eastern partners, as well as logistical advantages and preferential trade arrangements.
The structure of Egypt’s non-petroleum exports during the year was led by building materials, which generated $14.88 billion in export revenues, maintaining their position as the country’s largest export sector. Chemical products and fertilizers followed with exports valued at $9.419 billion, benefiting from sustained global demand and Egypt’s expanding industrial capacity.
Food industries ranked third, with exports totaling $6.803 billion, supported by strong agricultural output and growing demand in African and Arab markets. Engineering and electronic goods generated $6.468 billion, reflecting gradual progress in higher value-added manufacturing.
Agricultural crops accounted for $4.692 billion in exports, while ready-made garments reached $3.394 billion, underscoring the continued importance of labor-intensive industries. Other notable sectors included spinning and textiles at $1.167 billion, medical industries at $996 million, printing, packaging, paper, and publishing at $935 million, furnishings at $638 million, furniture at $427 million, and leather and footwear products at $107 million.
Economists note that while the export figures reflect tangible progress, sustaining growth will depend on improving industrial productivity, maintaining competitive exchange rates, and expanding access to new markets, particularly in Africa and Asia. Gold exports, while highly lucrative, remain sensitive to global price fluctuations, making diversification across manufacturing and agri-industrial sectors a long-term priority.
With exports playing an increasingly central role in Egypt’s economic strategy, officials say the coming period will focus on deepening industrial localization, encouraging private sector participation, and strengthening logistics and customs systems to support continued growth in foreign trade.
