Spain raises inflation forecast for 2022
MADRID: Spain raised its inflation forecasts for 2022 and 2023 and lowered its economic growth target for 2023, Economy Minister Nadia Calvino said on Tuesday, pointing to the war in Ukraine for its continued negative impact on European economies.
The inflation target was lifted to 7.8 per cent in 2022 from a previous 6.1 per cent projected in April, while for 2023 it was revised upwards to 2.9 per cent vs 2.2 per cent.
Driven by rising energy and food prices, annual inflation surpassed 10 per cent for the first time in 37 years in June, forcing the government to raise its expectations for consumer prices.
“The war is having major economic and social effects. All governments are revising growth forecasts downwards and inflation forecasts upwards,” Calvino said.
Spain maintained its growth target for 2022 at 4.3 per cent, partially helped by a strong tourist season leading to a “strong GDP expansion” in the second quarter, Calvino said.
For 2023, Spain lowered its economic growth target to 2.7 per cent down from a previous target of 3.5 per cent.
The government also maintained its budget deficit targets for this year at 5 per cent of GDP and 3.9 per cent for 2023, Budget Minister Maria Jesus Montero said, as the fiscal straightjacket rules that set a 3 per cent budget gap limit on EU member countries remain suspended. Spain expect a 3 per cent budget deficit in 2025, she added.
The spending ceiling will be a record of 198 billion euros for 2022, slightly more than this year, Montero said.