Russian current account surplus widened 80% to $38.1 bln in 5M - Central Bank

MOSCOW. June 14 (Interfax) - Russia's current account surplus widened 80% to $38.1 billion in January-May 2024 from $21 billion in the same period of last year, according to an estimate published on the Central Bank's website.

The surplus widened due to both the expansion of trade balance and the reduction in deficits of other current account items, the regulator said in a commentary.

The May current account surplus was $5.1 billion, down 28% from $7.1 billion in April and down 4% from $5.3 billion in May 2023.

The trade surplus for goods widened 18% to $56 billion from $47.6 billion in 5M.

The trade surplus fell slightly to $10.6 billion in May from $10.7 billion rubles in April - the April estimate was increased for goods exports lowered for imports to reflect Federal Customs Service data - but was up 2% from $10.4 billion in May 2023.