Greek state budget records a primary surplus of 2.116 bln€ in H1

The external balance of goods and services recorded a deficit of 6.4 billion euros in the first quarter, down from 8.21 billion in 2022, with imports rising by 0.79 billion to 26.66 billion euros and exports rising 2.6 billion to 18.45 billion euros.

The Greek state budget posted a primary surplus of 2.116 billion euros in the January-June 2023 period, increased compared with a surplus target of 415 million euros and a primary deficit of 3.425 billion euros in the corresponding period last year, the finance ministry announced on Tuesday.

Specifically, a report on budget execution, in an amended cash basis, showed that the general government balance posted a deficit of 2.462 billion euros in the first half of 2023, down from a deficit target of 4.265 billion euros and a shortfall of 6.548 billion euros in the same period last year.

Net revenue reached 30.875 billion euros, up 4.1 percent from the target, while regular budget revenues reached 34.263 billion euros, up 5.5 percent from the target. Tax revenues amounted to 27.214 billion euros, up 8.6 percent from the target. VAT revenues totaled 11.042 billion euros, up 571 million euros from target, while the special consumption tax revenue reached 3.227 billion euros, down by 62 million.