Chile Posts Widest Current Account Surplus Since 2008

2026-05-18 13:02 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

Chile posted a current account surplus of $1.9 billion in Q1 2026, the largest since Q1 2008, compared to a deficit of $0.3 billion shortfall in the same period a year ago.

The goods surplus picked up to $9.6 billion from $6.3 billion in Q1 2025, as exports (14.7%) rose much faster than imports (+2.9%).

Export growth was mainly fueled by mining shipments, which expanded 22.8% driven by copper (notably concentrates and cathodes), lithium carbonate, and gold.

At the same time, the secondary income balance shifted to a surplus of $0.3 billion from a deficit of $0.1 billion, supported by higher net transfers, as inflows linked to additional tax revenue collection exceeded remittance outflows abroad.

Conversely, the primary income shortfall rose to $6 billion from $4.6 billion, mainly driven by direct investment income, with net payments abroad totaling $5.2 billion.

The services deficit increased to $2 billion from $1.9 billion, with exports falling 0.9% and imports rising 1.1%.



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Chile Posts Widest Current Account Surplus Since 2008
Chile posted a current account surplus of $1.9 billion in Q1 2026, the largest since Q1 2008, compared to a deficit of $0.3 billion shortfall in the same period a year ago. The goods surplus picked up to $9.6 billion from $6.3 billion in Q1 2025, as exports (14.7%) rose much faster than imports (+2.9%). Export growth was mainly fueled by mining shipments, which expanded 22.8% driven by copper (notably concentrates and cathodes), lithium carbonate, and gold. At the same time, the secondary income balance shifted to a surplus of $0.3 billion from a deficit of $0.1 billion, supported by higher net transfers, as inflows linked to additional tax revenue collection exceeded remittance outflows abroad. Conversely, the primary income shortfall rose to $6 billion from $4.6 billion, mainly driven by direct investment income, with net payments abroad totaling $5.2 billion. The services deficit increased to $2 billion from $1.9 billion, with exports falling 0.9% and imports rising 1.1%.
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