Cairo – Mubasher: Egypt’s headline seasonally adjusted Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remained above the 50.0 no-change mark for the second month running, highlighting a sustained improvement in the health of the non-oil private sector.
The reading dropped to 50.2 in December, after reaching a 61-month high of 51.1 in November, according to the latest S&P Global PMI data.
Non-oil private sector witnessed a continued upturn in business conditions at the end of 2025, as firms reported a surge in new orders, despite a slower growth pace.
The second consecutive hike in new business activity led the companies to expand their output.
The firms’ purchases of inputs increased for the first time in ten months. Nevertheless, reported shortages resulted in lower input stocks.
Meanwhile, companies registered a decline in staffing due to caution amid global uncertainty.
The outlook for the next 12 months was neutral in December, indicating subdued confidence levels during the second half (H2) of 2025.
David Owen, Senior Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, commented: "Improvements in order books have been a clear factor behind strong business performances over the past few months. The uplift in sales arrived amid a softening of inflationary pressures in the Egyptian economy, which has enabled businesses and consumers to spend with more confidence.”
He continued: "That said, the overall upturn in business conditions was softer in December compared to one month ago, suggesting this growth trend should be treated with caution. Firms also face continued uncertainties in the domestic and global sphere, which has made them hesitant to show optimism.”
