The Egyptian foreign exchange markets witnessed a new movement in foreign currency prices, with the price of the dollar against the Egyptian pound recording a noticeable increase at the close of trading on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This movement comes within the framework of the daily changes witnessed by public and private banks operating in the Egyptian banking sector, reflecting the dynamics of supply and demand in the market.
Details of the dollar exchange rate in Egyptian banks
According to the latest updates on trading screens, the exchange rates of the greenback in the most prominent banks were as follows:
- The Central Bank of Egypt: The average price recorded was 47.27 Egyptian pounds for buying and 47.41 Egyptian pounds for selling, reflecting the official market reference price.
- The National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr: As the two largest government banks, the dollar was recorded at 47.27 Egyptian pounds for buying and 47.37 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Commercial International Bank (CIB): The price recorded was 47.29 Egyptian pounds for buying and 47.39 Egyptian pounds for selling.
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank: Recorded the highest buying price at 47.32 pounds, and 47.42 pounds for selling.
- Bank of Alexandria and Faisal Islamic Bank: recorded 47.29 pounds for buying and 47.39 pounds for selling.
- National Bank of Kuwait and Cairo Bank: recorded a relatively lower price of 47.10 Egyptian pounds for buying and 47.20 Egyptian pounds for selling.
The economic context and the importance of the exchange rate
The stability or fluctuation of the US dollar exchange rate against the Egyptian pound is one of the most important economic indicators closely monitored by both investors and citizens. Historically, the Egyptian currency has undergone several periods of liberalization and flexibility, allowing its value to be determined by free market mechanisms (supply and demand). Foreign currency inflows from various sources, such as remittances from Egyptians abroad, tourism revenues, and exports, play a pivotal role in determining the availability of hard currency and, consequently, its price in banks.
Expected local impacts
The dollar exchange rate is closely linked to the cost of living in Egypt, given the local market's heavy reliance on imports for essential goods and production inputs. A rise in the dollar's value typically leads to a slight increase in import costs, which can then be passed on to consumers in the final prices of goods. Therefore, the government and the central bank prioritize controlling the exchange market and monitoring inflation to ensure market stability.
Experts always emphasize that slight price differences between different banks are a healthy phenomenon that reflects competition in the banking sector to attract hard currency and meet the needs of customers and importers.
