Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea revealed on Saturday that the country's non-oil exports climbed by 22% in the first seven months of 2021, totaling US$17.7 billion, compared to about $14.55 billion last year – an increase of $3.148 billion.

According to Gamea, the growth in Egyptian exports was due to the government's strong efforts to support all production and export sectors throughout the coronavirus pandemic, which helped to keep export markets open.

Egyptian exports increased by four percent in July, hitting $2.95 billion, up from $2.11 billion in July 2020, a $74 million rise.

According to Gamea, Egyptian imports increased by 11% in the first seven months of this year, hitting $42.39 billion, up from $ 38.89 billion the previous year — a $ 4.3 billion rise.The minister added that the geographical distribution of Egyptian exports included the European Union with a value of $ 5.57 billion, compared to $3.82 billion during the same period of last year, an increase of 46 percent.

Exports to the Arab League totaled $5.35 billion, down from $5.49 billion in the same time last year, a two percent reduction.

Exports to non-Arab African countries increased by 26% to $1.7 billion, up from $799 million the previous year.

Exports to the United States totaled $1.29 billion, up from $854 million in the same time last year, a 51 percent rise.