Greece’s current account deficit fell to 408.8 million euros ($470.94 million) in September from 486.0 million euros a year earlier, as an improved balance of goods and lower net payments on primary income offset weaker services, data from the Bank of Greece showed on Thursday.
Exports of goods rose 2.6% in September, while imports declined by 4.0%, contributing to a reduction in the goods deficit. The primary income account deficit also improved, reflecting lower net interest, dividend, and profit payments.
However, the surplus in the services balance contracted, mainly due to lower travel receipts despite an increase in non-resident arrivals.
For the January-September period, the current account deficit dropped by 2.2 billion euros year-on-year to 7.0 billion, as imports fell more sharply than exports.
($1 = 0.8681 euros)