Egypt Non-Oil Private Sector Activity Hits 7-Month High

The S&P Global Egypt PMI rose to 49.6 in August 2026 from 46.8 in July, signaling the softest deterioration in operating conditions since January as the non-oil sector moved closer to stabilisation. Output and new orders declined at slower rates, with the fall in new business the least marked since February amid signs of improving market activity. Employment also increased for the first time since October 2025, with job creation reaching its second-fastest rate on record. However, purchasing activity contracted at the sharpest pace in nearly three years, as material shortages, cash-flow constraints, delayed payments, and Strait of Hormuz disruptions weighed on buying activity. Meanwhile, price pressures quickened for the first time since May, with both input costs and output charges rising at faster rates. Despite the challenges, business confidence climbed to its highest level since June 2022, supported by expectations of new projects, tourism expansion and branch openings.






