Egypt’s trade deficit decreased by 10.1% year-on-year (YOY) in September 2018 to reach $3 billion, compared to $3.35 billion in September 2017, Amwal Al Ghad reported.

Official figures published by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) show that the country’s trade deficit declined by almost a quarter (24.1%) over a month from the $3.95 billion recorded in August 2018.

CAPMAS cited rising crude exports as a key driver for the improving figures, having increased 36% YOY. The agency also said thatstrong exports of clothes (39.5% YOY) and fertilizers (55.6% YOY) also made a significant contribution.