Türkiye posts $7.8 billion current account deficit in April, driven by goods trade gap

Türkiye’s current account balance registered a deficit of $7.8 billion in April, according to data released Monday by the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT), marking a wider-than-expected shortfall amid a sharp goods trade imbalance.

The goods segment recorded a substantial $9.89 billion deficit, while the services sector provided some relief with a net inflow of $3.9 billion, the CBRT reported.

Excluding gold and energy, the current account showed a more moderate deficit of $1.94 billion for the month.

The figure exceeded market expectations. A survey conducted by Anadolu Agency last week projected the April deficit at $7.08 billion.

The data also showed net outflows of $268 million in direct investment during April, reflecting subdued investor sentiment in the face of ongoing macroeconomic adjustments and global uncertainty.

April’s current account performance follows a series of economic reforms aimed at narrowing Türkiye’s external imbalances. However, persistent import demand—especially for energy and intermediate goods—continues to weigh on the trade balance.

Economists will be closely monitoring upcoming figures to assess whether Türkiye can meet its medium-term goal of reducing the current account gap, which remains a key challenge for financial stability and currency resilience.

Copied