Xinhua reported that Egypt's Suez Canal revenues for September retreated 18.5% to USD 382.5 million compared to USD 469.6 million in the same period of 2008.

According to the source, 1,454 vessels passed through the canal last month with cargo amounting to 64.4 million tonnes against 80 million tonnes compared to the same period on 2008.

In August, the revenues generated from the Suez Canal amounted to USD 371.8 million.

The canal is one of the primary sources of Egyptian national income, which is also a major source of foreign currency along with tourism, oil and gas exports and Egyptian expatriates’ revenues.

Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal is an artificial sea level waterway connecting the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, facilitating water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigating around Africa.

(Sourced from Xinhua)