The Swedish Central government cash flow in January gave a surplus of SEK 9.3 billion. This is a SEK 12.4 billion larger surplus than in the Debt Office's latest forecast. This is mostly due to a lower contribution to the EU and lower payments on support for the agricultural sector.
The primary surplus (all central government payments excluding interest payments) was SEK 11.4 billion, which is SEK 10.4 billion larger surplus than estimated. The main explanations are that the contribution to the EU was SEK 5.5 billion lower than estimated and payments on support for the agricultural sector was also lower than calculated, since big payments were made already in December 2006.
The lower contribution to the EU is to a large extent a matter of displacement between months. The contribution for February will be approximately SEK 4.5 billion larger than our previous calculation.
Interest payments on central government debt were about SEK 2.1 billions lower than expected.
The borrowing requirement for the twelve-month period up to the end of January was SEK -45.1 billion, i.e. a surplus. Government debt was SEK 1,249 billion at the end of January.
The outcome of the central government borrowing requirement for February will be published at 9.30 am on March 7, 2007. A revised forecast for 2007 and an initial forecast for 2008 will be published at 9.30 am on February 28.
Further information can be obtained from:
Niklas Halén, tel +46 8 613 47 47
