Egypt's current account deficit widened to $5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026,
up from $2.3 billion in the same period last year, according to central bank data released today.
Net foreign direct investment inflows fell slightly to $3.7 billion from $3.8 billion in the same quarter of 2025.
The central bank reported that the widening deficit was primarily due to an increase in the trade deficit. This was partially offset by growth in remittances, tourism receipts, and revenues from the Suez Canal.
Remittances from Egyptians working abroad rose to $12.8 billion from $9.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
Tourism receipts increased to $4.2 billion from $3.8 billion in the same period last year.
Receipts from the Suez Canal rose to $1 billion from $800 million a year earlier.
Oil imports increased to $5.7 billion in the quarter from $4.8 billion a year earlier. Oil exports rose to $1.6 billion from $1.2 billion in the same period.