Egypt recorded a $2.8 billion balance of payments surplus in fiscal year 2025/2026, with strong foreign investment inflows and higher remittances helping cushion mounting external pressures, according to data from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).
Net inflows into the capital and financial accounts reached $23.2 billion during the fiscal year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) contributed $18 billion, while portfolio investments generated net inflows of $4.2 billion, providing significant support to the country’s external financial position.
Despite the overall surplus, Egypt’s current account deficit expanded to $22.5 billion, compared with $15.4 billion at the end of June 2025. The deterioration was driven largely by a widening merchandise trade deficit, which climbed 27.1% to $64.8 billion, alongside a 33.8% increase in the investment income deficit to $21.2 billion.
Higher remittances from Egyptians working abroad offered a substantial counterweight. These transfers rose 29.6% to $47.3 billion, while the surplus from services increased 10.5% to $16.7 billion.
Energy imports remained a major pressure point, with oil imports rising 27.6% to $24.9 billion as purchases of natural gas and crude oil increased.
Tourism continued to strengthen Egypt’s foreign currency earnings. Revenue from the sector grew 10.3% to $18.4 billion, up from $16.7 billion in the previous period.
Receipts from vessels transiting the Suez Canal also recovered, increasing 21.6% to $4.4 billion from $3.6 billion.
The figures highlight a mixed picture for Egypt’s external finances: robust investment inflows, remittances and service-sector earnings helped secure an overall surplus, even as the widening trade gap and higher investment income outflows placed additional strain on the current account.
