Egypt's manufacturing and extractive industries index (without crude oil and petroleum products) fell by 18.7 percent to 123.87 in February on the back of coronavirus, according to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). However, the final data from January, when the index came in at 113.10. CAPMAS had updated the index methodology using 2012/13 as the base year upon levels for main industrial activity divisions according to the Manual on Industrial Activity. The agency also used the monthly division for producer prices based on 2012/13 data. Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations increased 3.9 percent to 118.20 in February, compared to the previous month which reported 113.80. The increase has been attributed to the requirements set out by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Other non-metallic mineral products manufacturing, notable bricks, glass, and cement increased 6.6 percent to 114.19 in February. These compare to the January data, which reported divs of 107.07, with the increase also attributed to current market circumstances. The manufacture of clothing and apparel decreased to 8.9 percent to 96.21 in February compared to the January divisions of 105.63. The manufacture of tobacco products decreased 4.5 percent to 191.57 during February compared to the January divs of 200.59.
