FX.co ★ Egypt Non-Oil Private Sector Contracts in March

The S&P Global Egypt PMI declined to 49.2 in March 2025, down from 50.1 in February, indicating a slight worsening in operating conditions and marking the year's initial contraction. Sales volumes saw their first decrease in three months, driven by weakened demand both domestically and internationally. In response to weaker orders, businesses reduced their purchasing and workforce activities, slowing overall business activity. Nonetheless, the construction sector remained a notable exception, experiencing significant growth in both output and new job acquisitions, unlike the more restrained manufacturing and retail sectors. On the pricing side, input price inflation reached its slowest pace in nearly five years, benefiting from a stabilizing Egyptian pound and reduced staff costs for the second straight month. Consequently, selling prices rose only marginally, maintaining the lowest average price increases observed in the past four years. Looking ahead, business confidence plummeted to one of the lowest levels ever recorded, reflecting heightened concerns over economic uncertainty and ongoing demand pressures.