Cairo: Egypt’s non-oil private sector witnessed a modest contraction in September, according to the latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The index slipped to 48.8, down from 49.2 in August, marking the lowest reading in three months. A PMI below 50 signals a contraction in business activity, highlighting a slowdown in Egypt’s private sector outside the oil industry.

The contraction was driven primarily by a sharp decline in new sales orders, which fell at the fastest pace in five months. Businesses cited subdued domestic demand, rising prices, and wage pressures as key factors limiting new orders. Employment growth also stalled after two months of modest increases, with most companies reporting no change in staffing levels, reflecting caution amid uncertain market conditi

See Full Page