Egypt’s Trade Balance Deficit Drops 28.7% in July

 Containers at an Egyptian port. (Reuters)
Containers at an Egyptian port. (Reuters)
TT

Egypt’s Trade Balance Deficit Drops 28.7% in July

 Containers at an Egyptian port. (Reuters)
Containers at an Egyptian port. (Reuters)

Egypt’s trade deficit declined by 28.7% year-on-year (YoY) in July, according to data released on Tuesday by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

The monthly bulletin revealed that the deficit value of trade balance reached $2.7 billion in July, down from $3.8 billion for the same month of the previous year.

The country’s exports increased by 2.2% YoY in July to $3.13 billion, versus $3.07 billion for the same month of the previous year.

The value of imports decreased by 14.8% to $5.81 billion during July 2022, versus 6.82 billion in July 2021.

Separately, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates announced organizing a ceremony under the slogan “UAE and Egypt… One Heart.”

The three-day event will be held at the Egyptian capital Cairo in celebration of the 50th anniversary of UAE- Egypt ties and brotherly relations.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said his country is keen to underline depth of the strategic ties with the UAE and highlight the distinguished relation that brings both countries together.

He further underscored the cooperation between the two governments, as well as the political understanding and unified vision between the two countries’ leaderships.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued a directive to bolster cooperation frameworks between the two countries, the Premier added.

He said the government looks forward to welcoming the Emiratis at the celebrations.

“We reviewed during the cabinet meeting 50 years of distinguished and stable Emirati-Egyptian relations, which were sponsored by the president of the Egyptian state,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai said on Tuesday.

“In celebration and consolidation of these exceptional brotherly Arab ties spanning 50 years, we have directed the organization of special celebrations.”

Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala al-Said underscored the depth of Egyptian-Emirati relations in a range of political and economic areas, in addition to investment cooperation.



Gold Prices Climb on Safe-Haven Demand; US Payrolls Data in Focus

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
TT

Gold Prices Climb on Safe-Haven Demand; US Payrolls Data in Focus

Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)
Gold bullion displayed in a store in the German city of Pforzheim (dpa)

Gold prices climbed on Friday, supported by safe-haven demand arising from the Middle East conflict, while spotlight shifted towards US payrolls report to gauge the trajectory of the Federal Reserve's policy path.
Spot gold was up 0.3% at $2,662.50 per ounce, as of 0325 GMT, after climbing to an all-time high of $2,685.42 on Sept. 26. Bullion has gained 0.2 for the week.
US gold futures edged 0.1% higher to $2,682.10.
The dollar eased 0.1%, pulling back from over a one-month high, making greenback-priced bullion less expensive for other currency holders, reported Reuters.
Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Israel and Iran, are supporting gold prices and unless these risks subside, prices are likely to remain near record levels, said Ajay Kedia, director at Kedia Commodities, Mumbai.
The US is discussing strikes on Iran's oil facilities as retaliation for Tehran's missile attack on Israel, President Joe Biden said, while Israel's military hit Beirut with new air strikes in its battle against Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Bullion is considered a safe investment during times of political and financial uncertainty, and thrives in a low-rate environment.
The US nonfarm payroll data is due at 1230 GMT. New York Fed President John Williams and Chicago Fed President Austan are also scheduled to speak later in the day.
If the NFP report comes in strong, it will be positive for the dollar and then gold prices will see some profit-booking, Kedia added.
Traders see a 69% chance of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut in November, according to CME FedWatch Tool.
BMI said in a note it expects gold prices to trade within the range of $2,500 to $2,800 in the coming months.
Spot silver rose 0.4% to $32.17 per ounce and has gained about 1.8% so far this week.
Platinum climbed 1.1% to $1,001.79 and palladium advanced 1.4% to $1,013.46.