The Egyptian balance of payments…positive indicators led by the Suez Canal and remittances abroad

The Central Bank of Egypt revealed a noticeable improvement in balance of payments indicators during the first half of the fiscal year 2025-2026.
This improvement is due to the increase in remittances from Egyptians working abroad and the increase in revenues from the Suez Canal, despite the continued pressure on foreign investments and the rise in the total deficit.
The report indicated that Suez Canal revenues rose to about $2.2 billion during the period from July to December 2025, compared to about $1.8 billion during the same period of the previous year.
Remittances from Egyptians working abroad also recorded a strong growth of 29.6% on an annual basis during the same period, reaching $22.1 billion, which reflects improved foreign exchange flows.
The Central Bank of Egypt indicated that the deficit in the current account account decreased by 13.6%, to record about $9.5 billion, compared to $10.9 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year.
This improvement is due to an increase in net unpaid current transfers by 28.4%, reaching about $22 billion, in addition to an increase in the surplus in the balance of services, which amounted to about $8.9 billion, supported by an increase in tourism revenues and Suez Canal transit fees.
On the other hand, the report showed a net outflow in foreign direct investments in the petroleum and mineral resources sector amounting to $159.5 million, compared to a net inflow of about $1.9 billion in the comparative period.
This is due to the increase in remittances abroad, which represent cost recovery by foreign partners, which amounted to about $3.1 billion compared to $2.7 billion, while new flows stabilized at $2.9 billion.