Central Bank of Azerbaijan improves forecast for 2026 current account surplus to $8.5 bln

BAKU. Oct 29 (Interfax) - The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) forecasts a current account surplus at $8.5 billion in 2026, according to the CBA's statement on the discount rate, which the regulator kept at 6.5% on Thursday.

"Taking into account the current high prices for main export goods, as well as amid the continuation of positive trends in exports of non-oil and gas goods and services, the Central Bank has revised its forecast for the current account surplus for 2026 and 2027 upwards. In particular, the surplus for 2026 is forecast at $8.5 billion, or more than 10% of GDP," the CBA said.

As reported, the Central Bank forecast the current account surplus for the current year at $6.1 billion in July.

According to the Central Bank, Azerbaijan's foreign trade surplus amounted to $10.5 billion in 9M, and the surplus in money transfers totaled $830.5 million.

The forecast for 2027 is a current account surplus of $5.4 billion, or more than 6% of GDP.

As reported, Azerbaijan's current account surplus amounted to $4.74 billion or 12.4% of GDP in H1 2026, up twofold year-on-year.

Azerbaijan's current account surplus amounted to $3.5 billion or 4.6% of GDP in 2025, down 25.5% compared with the previous year.