Turkey Current A/C Deficit Rises

Turkey’s current account deficit reached $2.527 billion in February 2017, up $564 million from a year earlier, official data revealed on Tuesday. “The current account deficit recorded $2.527 billion, indicating an increase of $564 million compared to February of the previous year, bringing the 12-month rolling deficit to $33.75 billion,” the Central Bank of Turkey said. A group of 17 economists surveyed by Anadolu Agency forecasted a deficit of $2.5 billion in the month, largely in line with real figures. “This development in the current account is mainly attributable to the $546 million increase in foreign trade deficit, recording $2.49 billion,” the bank said. “On the other hand, secondary income net inflows recorded $154 million in the same period, decreasing by $230 million; while the services item net inflows recorded $519 million, increasing by $200 million,” it added. Investment income on the other hand indicated a net outflow of $645 million, down $26 million in comparison to February 2016.