France secondary income balance
France secondary income balance stood at -5,588 EUR million in Jul 2026, according to Eurostat – balance of payments by country, monthly (bop_c6_m), compiled by Banque de France. It is one of the indicators in the Monthly balance of payments table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2008 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly balance of payments table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other balances | |||||||||||
| Secondary income balance | -5,588 | -4,419 | -5,319 | -4,631 | -4,832 | -6,096 | -4,601 | -4,571 | -6,408 | -5,229 | |
| Capital account balance | 383 | 309 | 921 | 334 | 350 | 1,185 | 360 | 235 | 365 | 400 |
Understanding france secondary income balance
This balance isolates the net result of all unrequited current transfers between domestic and foreign entities, calculated as secondary income credits minus secondary income debits. It highlights whether the economy is a net recipient or net donor of unilateral transfers, setting it apart from trade balances that measure exchanges of goods and services.
Interpreting this net measure requires looking past irregular administrative disbursements and government grant schedules that cause sudden monthly volatility. Early estimates are subject to frequent revisions as institutional reporting is finalized. Analysts should examine year-on-year comparisons to smooth out the erratic timing of official transfers and foreign aid allocations. A common mistake is evaluating the secondary income balance as an indicator of trade competitiveness.
Frequently asked questions
- How is the secondary income balance calculated?
- It is derived by subtracting secondary income debits from secondary income credits.
- What distinguishes this balance from trade balances?
- It measures unilateral transfers with no return of economic value, whereas trade balances track exchanges of goods and services.
- Why can this series be volatile from month to month?
- The timing of official grants, institutional dues, and international aid disbursements creates sudden shifts in net flows.