In the first quarter of 2023, compared to the first quarter of 2022, there was a decrease in the current and capital balance deficit by 5.2 billion euros, which is associated with a significant increase in the balance of secondary income, i.e. an increase in the collection of the Community. funds – but also with its decrease trade deficit (improving the balance of goods) by increasing exports more than imports.

In particular, according to the data announced yesterday Bank of Greecein March 2023, the current account deficit decreased by 117.4 million euros compared to March 2022 and amounted to 2.4 billion euros.

The decrease in the trade balance deficit is associated with an increase in exports, which was larger than the growth in imports.

Exports increased by 6.1% at current prices (and by 10.1% at constant prices), while imports increased by 2.9% at current prices (and by 4.1% at constant prices). In particular, exports of non-fuel goods increased by 13.9% at current prices (and by 7.2% at comparable prices), while imports of non-fuel goods increased by 1.1% at current prices, while at comparable prices they decreased by 2.2%. %. .

At the level of the first quarter, exports increased by 17.7% at current prices (up 10.3% at constant prices), while imports registered a slight increase of 1.2% at current prices (up 0.8% at fixed prices) . In particular, in current prices, exports and imports of non-fuel goods increased by 12.7% and 0.9%, respectively (by 2.7% and -3.1% at constant prices).

In terms of balance of services, there was a slight increase in surplus in March 2023, with the balance of travel again playing a decisive role due to the increase – again this year – in tourist flow. Arrivals of non-resident travelers increased by 60.8% and corresponding receipts by 45.6% (set at €267.6 million) compared to March 2022, while at the level of the first quarter, arrivals of non-resident travelers increased by 74.7%. revenue by 63.8% compared to the corresponding period in 2022, reaching 732.9 million euros from 447.5 million euros in the corresponding period last year.

The surplus in the balance of primary income halved compared to the corresponding period in 2022 due to an increase in net interest, dividends and profits, which was partially offset by an increase in net receipts from other primary income.