Russian Econ Ministry expects $74.4 bln current account surplus in 2023, rising to $80.7 bln in 2024

MOSCOW. Sept 13 (Interfax) - The Russian Economic Development Ministry predicts merchandise exports will fall to $459.1 billion in 2023 from $590.8 billion in 2022, and that imports will rise to $313.8 billion from $276.7 billion, a ministry spokesperson told reporters.

The ministry's revised macroeconomic forecast was reviewed and generally approved by the government's budget commission on Tuesday.

Exports from Russia are forecast at $471 billion in 2024, $481.1 billion in 2025 and $496.7 billion in 2026, and imports to Russia at $319.7 billion, $326.8 billion and $335.5 billion.

The current account surplus could narrow to $74.4 billion in 2023 from $236.1 billion in 2022 and be $80.7 billion in 2024, $77.8 billion in 2o25 and $80.8 billion in 2026.