Reading guide: IMF External Sector Report (2026)What is a report on lopsided flows of money between countries?
On July 30, 2026 the IMF published the 2026 External Sector Report, Amid Rising Imbalances, the Case for Rebalancing. Based on 2025 data, it provides the external assessment of 30 of the world's largest economies. It reports that global current account balances widened further in 2025 and that excess balances increased.The gap between the money flowing into and out of a country through trade and investment with other countries is called the current account balance. Every year the IMF assesses whether this gap has become too lopsided for 30 of the world's large economies. The 2026 report says the gaps widened further in 2025.
- ○Applies: It assesses 30 of the world's largest economies (2025 data)
- ○Applies: Global current account balances widened further in 2025
- ○Applies: Simultaneous action by countries on domestic imbalances gives the best outcome
- (1)The world's current account gaps widen
- (2)Large, lasting gaps raise the risk of a sudden adjustment
- (3)Countries acting together on their domestic imbalances gives the best outcome