Greece balance of payments and balance of travel services

According to data released by the Bank of Greece, the current account in September 2015 recorded a surplus of €838 million, increased by €228 million compared to the respective period 2014. This increase is attributable to a decrease in the deficit of goods by €663 million, an increase in the primary income surplus by €53 million and a decrease in the secondary income deficit by €13 million, which offset the decrease in the surplus of services by €502 million.

Imports decreased significantly (-€996 million) due to capital controls. 

Travel receipts fell, both in total and in terms of average expenditure per trip (- €2,131 million and €35 respectively). 

Germany remained the main contributor for travel receipts (20% of total) and inbound travelers (15% of total). 

Large decreases in travel receipts (-€73 million) and number of travelers (-145 thousand) from Russia, continuing the negative trend in the whole period Jan - Sep 2015.