Türkiye posts $4.9 billion budget deficit in January

13:30

By: Sahili Aya

Türkiye posts $4.9 billion budget deficit in January

Türkiye recorded a central government budget deficit of 214.5 billion Turkish liras ($4.9 billion) in January, according to official data released by the Treasury and Finance Ministry.

The ministry reported total budget revenues of 1.42 trillion liras ($32.38 billion) for the month, while expenditures reached 1.63 trillion liras ($37.28 billion). Tax revenues accounted for 1.18 trillion liras ($26.99 billion), and interest payments on public debt totaled 456.4 billion liras ($10.44 billion).

Excluding interest payments, the budget recorded a surplus of 241.8 billion liras ($5.5 billion), reflecting a positive primary balance despite the overall deficit. Analysts note that rising interest obligations continue to weigh on Türkiye’s public finances, highlighting challenges in managing fiscal pressures amid economic fluctuations.

The January figures provide an early indicator of government fiscal performance for 2026, with policymakers closely monitoring revenue trends and expenditure patterns to manage the country’s budgetary position.