The Balance of Payments and International Investment Position of Spain in 2023

Abstract

Rationale The balance of payments and international investment position provide insight into Spain’s economic relations with the rest of the world, which have important implications for the domestic economy. Analysis of these statistics takes on added significance against a backdrop of global uncertainty. Takeaways •In 2023 the Spanish economy’s net lending as a percentage of GDP reached its highest level since 1995, driven by the improvement in the trade balance and positive developments in services, with record high credits in both travel services and other services. •The negative net international investment position declined further in 2023 to stand at 52.8% of GDP (its lowest level in 19 years), as a result of GDP growth and the positive balance of financial transactions with the rest of the world. •Spain’s outward and inward foreign direct investment positions increased in 2023 due to the positive amount of financial transactions, although these were down slightly on the previous year, and the likewise positive amount of revaluations.