According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics' (CAPMAS) bulletin on foreign trade in September 2018, the exports value increased by 21.7%, reaching $2.32bn, versus $1.9bn in September 2017. This is due to the increase in the value of some commodities such as crude oil, 36%; garments 39.5%; fertilisers 55.6%, and plastics in primary forms 12.9%. Meanwhile, the exports value of some commodities decreased during September 2018, versus the same month of the previous year such as fresh fruits by 4.5%; soap and detergents by 22.6%; tiles and sanitary ware and cupboards by 3.2%, and pharmaceuticals by 14.4%. The CAPMAS noted that the deficit value of trade balance reached $3bn during September 2018, versus $3.35bn for the same month of the previous year, a decrease of 10.2%. Furthermore, the CAPMAS explained that the imports value increased by 1.4%, as it reached $5.32bn during September 2018, versus $5.25bn in September 2017, due to the increased value of some commodities such as medications and pharmaceutical preparations by 11.4%; soybeans by 16.5%; spare parts for cars by 20.5%; pipes; tubes and fittings by 14.5%. Imports of some commodities decreased in September 2018, against September 2017, such as raw iron or steel by 16.7%; wheat by 37.9%; petroleum products by 36%, and plastics in primary forms by 20.5%.
