Suez Canal Records All-time Highest Monthly Revenue

 One of the naval units of the Suez Canal Authority fleet (Canal Authority official website)
One of the naval units of the Suez Canal Authority fleet (Canal Authority official website)
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Suez Canal Records All-time Highest Monthly Revenue

 One of the naval units of the Suez Canal Authority fleet (Canal Authority official website)
One of the naval units of the Suez Canal Authority fleet (Canal Authority official website)

Egypt’s Suez Canal revenue reached $704 million in July, Canal Authority Chairman Osama Rabea said on Tuesday.

The figure represents a 32.4% increase from the same month last year, when the canal only recorded $531.8 million.

The canal is the fastest shipping route between Europe and Asia and one of the Egyptian government’s main sources of foreign currency.

Around 2,103 ships crossed the canal in July, up 433 ships from the same period last year.

Some 125.1 million tons of cargo were shipped through the canal as well, or an 18.2% increase from July 2021.

Navigation reports have also pointed out to a rise in the number of oil tankers by 60.2%, achieving the highest ever monthly revenues from oil tankers which is estimated at $153 million.

Also, transit of natural gas tankers recorded a 31% rise, the highest ever monthly revenue of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) tankers with a total value of $52 million.

The number of bulk ships increased by 21%, achieving the highest monthly revenue for bulk ships in the history of the canal, amounting to $121 million.

Meanwhile, container ships transiting the canal increased by 8.8%, achieving the second highest monthly revenue from this type of ships with $314 million.

On 29 July, the canal achieved its highest ever daily revenue, recording $31.8 million, and the second highest daily net tonnage in its history, with 5.6 million tons, Rabea said.

Earlier this month, the Canal Authority had stated that the Suez Canal had recorded $7 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2021/22, up 20.7% from a year earlier.

Egypt’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.



Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Business activity in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four-month high in September, driven by strong demand, which led to faster growth in new orders. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), adjusted for seasonal factors, rose to 56.3 points from 54.8 in August, marking the highest reading since May and further distancing itself from the 50.0 level that indicates growth.

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders, alongside challenges in supply. The improvement in business conditions contributed to a significant rise in employment opportunities, although difficulties in finding skilled workers led to a shortage in production capacity.

At the same time, concerns over increasing competition caused a decline in future output expectations. According to the PMI statement, inventories of production inputs remained in good condition, which encouraged some companies to reduce their purchasing efforts.

Growth was strong overall and widespread across all non-oil sectors under study. Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Senior Economist at Riyad Bank, said that the rise in Saudi Arabia's PMI points to a notable acceleration in the growth of the non-oil private sector, primarily driven by increased production and new orders, reflecting the sector’s expansionary activity.

Al-Ghaith added that companies responded to the rise in domestic demand, which plays a crucial role in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The upward trend also indicates improved business confidence, pointing to a healthy environment for increased investment, job creation, and overall economic stability.

He emphasized that this growth in the non-oil sector is particularly important given the current context of reduced oil production and falling global oil prices. With oil revenues under pressure, the strong performance of the non-oil private sector acts as a buffer, helping mitigate the potential impact on the country's economic conditions.

Al-Ghaith continued, noting that diversifying income sources is essential to maintaining growth amid the volatility of oil markets. He explained that increased production levels not only enhance the competitiveness of Saudi companies but also encourage developments aimed at expanding the private sector's participation in the economy.

This shift, he said, provides a more stable foundation for long-term growth, making the economy less susceptible to oil price fluctuations.