Chile’s current account deficit narrows to $1.8 billion in Q2 2024 amid rising copper exports

Chile’s economy is showing signs of resilience as its current account deficit narrowed significantly to $1.8 billion in the second quarter of 2024, down from $3.5 billion in the same period last year.

This improvement underscores the country’s good performance in key sectors, particularly copper exports, and reflects a broader trend of economic stabilization despite global challenges.

Factors behind this improvement

Several factors have contributed to this notable improvement in Chile’s current account.

A significant decrease in the services deficit, which fell to $2.5 billion from $2.9 billion a year ago, has played a crucial role.

This reduction signals an improvement in service-related transactions, likely due to stronger domestic demand and enhanced efficiency in service delivery.

The most striking contributor to the positive shift, however, is the substantial increase in Chile’s goods surplus.

The surplus surged to $5.7 billion, up from $3.2 billion in the same quarter last year.

This growth is largely driven by higher copper exports, reinforcing Chile’s position as a global leader in the copper market.

The increased demand for copper, fueled by global energy transition initiatives and infrastructure development, has been pivotal in boosting Chile’s export revenues.

Primary and secondary income accounts

While the overall trend in the current account is positive, there are areas of concern that require attention.

The primary income deficit, which includes profits, dividends, and interest payments, widened to $5.3 billion from $4.2 billion last year.

This increase suggests potential challenges in revenue generation from foreign investments or a rise in capital outflows, which could strain the country’s financial stability if left unaddressed.

Additionally, the secondary income surplus, which captures earnings from sources such as remittances and foreign aid, declined to $232 million from $451 million.

This reduction indicates a drop in incoming transfers, which could affect household incomes and domestic consumption if the trend persists.

Maintaining and expanding goods surplus

Chile’s recent current account performance reflects its ability to navigate economic challenges by leveraging its strengths in key sectors, particularly commodities.

Maintaining and potentially expanding the goods surplus, especially through continued growth in copper exports, will be critical in ensuring a sustained positive trend in the current account balance.

However, to secure long-term economic stability, Chile must also address the widening primary income deficit and the shrinking secondary income surplus.

This may involve policy measures aimed at boosting domestic investment returns, attracting foreign capital, and enhancing the inflow of remittances and other secondary income sources.

While the narrowing deficit and strong goods surplus indicate economic resilience, the challenges in income flows highlight areas that require strategic focus.

As Chile continues to build on its strengths, particularly in the commodities sector, addressing these income challenges will be crucial to ensuring economic stability and growth in the coming years.