Egyptian Pound Hits Bottom Amidst FX Pressure
The Egyptian pound remained at historically low levels, trading around 30.9 per dollar, amidst growing speculation of potential further devaluation, a move that is likely to boost inflation.
Since early 2022, Egypt has devalued its currency three times, resulting in a substantial 50% reduction in its value, with inflation now still exceeding 33%.
In the parallel market, the dollar is exchanged at over 50 pounds.
Despite various recent government measures to reduce the national economy’s reliance on the dollar, Egypt remains entrenched in its worst severe economic crisis in decades marked by a persistent foreign currency shortage and rapidly growing debt.
Compounding these challenges, conflicts in the neighbouring Gaza Strip and Sudan, coupled with recent ship attacks in the Suez Canal, are further impacting the already struggling economy.
Egypt struck a $3 billion rescue deal with the International Monetary Fund more than a year ago, and negotiations continue.
