Egypt's trade deficit climbed by 42.6 percent in October 2010 compared to the same month in 2009, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) stated.
In a report published on Sunday, CAPMAS stated that the trade deficit in October 2010 was estimated at LE17.48 billion compared to LE12.256 billion in October 2009.
Imports rose by 33 percent, registering LE30.234 billion in October 2010, up from LE22.69 billion the same month prior in 2009.
The report attributed the rise to increases in the prices of petroleum products, wheat, soap, detergents and sugar.
Exports stood at LE12.754 in October 2010, up from LE10.434 in 2009, thereby recording a 22 percent increase.
The report stated that the total value of exports has risen due to increases in the prices of certain commodities such as wheat, some food products, propane and crude oil.
