18.06.2026 11:01
Turkey's external debt maturing within one year or less reached a historical peak of $242 billion in April. CBRT data shows that the short-term external debt stock continues to rise, led by the banking sector.
The short-term external debt stock rose by 3 percent in April to $171.6 billion, while total external debt obligations with a remaining maturity of one year or less reached a record $242 billion. The increase in banks' debt drew attention.
SHORT-TERM EXTERNAL DEBT STOCK ROSE BY 3 PERCENT
According to data from the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT), the short-term external debt stock increased by 3 percent compared to the previous month in April, reaching $171.6 billion. Thus, a notable rise was observed in short-term external debt.
BANKS' DEBT RAPIDLY INCREASED
The short-term external debt stock originating from banks rose by 5.8 percent compared to the previous month, reaching $75.5 billion. Short-term loans used by domestic banks from abroad and their securities obligations increased by 4.1 percent to $8.7 billion.
Deposits of non-resident banks in Turkey also increased. Obligations in this category rose by 6.7 percent to $18.6 billion.
INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY AND TL DEPOSITS
Foreign currency deposit accounts of non-resident non-bank entities increased by 1.9 percent to $22.2 billion, while deposits denominated in Turkish lira rose by 9.2 percent to $26 billion.
DEBT OF OTHER SECTORS ALSO INCREASED
The short-term external debt stock from other sectors also recorded an increase. This debt stock rose by 2.8 percent compared to the previous month, reaching $71.4 billion.
RISE IN TRADE CREDITS AND CASH LOANS
Trade credit obligations arising from foreign trade transactions increased by 1.3 percent to $64.4 billion. Obligations from cash loans rose by a notable 19.6 percent to $7 billion.
CURRENCY COMPOSITION OF DEBT CHANGED
In the short-term external debt stock, the shares of the US dollar and euro declined, while an increase was observed in the shares of the Turkish lira and other foreign currencies. Of the total stock, 34.8 percent consisted of the US dollar, 26.7 percent of the euro, 24.5 percent of the Turkish lira, and 14 percent of other currencies.
DEPOSIT OBLIGATIONS REACHED $66.8 BILLION
In the short-term external debt stock assessed by remaining maturity, deposit obligations rose to $66.8 billion, while loan and securities obligations reached $74.9 billion.