The balance of payments records all economic transactions between residents and non-residents within a given time period and thus shows a country’s complex economics links with the rest of the world.

Current data and changes compared with the previous month

Further information

100 years of the German balance of payments: 1924 to 2024

To mark the anniversary, we would like to take a look back. We will take you on a short journey through history and show you where the balance of payments in 1924 and 2024 are still very similar and where they differ (significantly).

Further Development of Concepts

The concepts of the balance of payments have been continuously refined. For this purpose, a subcommittee was set up at the League of Nations in 1938, but it did not take up its work as a result of the outbreak of World War 2. It was convened again in 1945 and the members sent out a relatively short report as early as December 1945. Although the report is short, it should determine the evolution of the balance of payments over the next 30 years. The recommendation to rename the term “balance of payments” to “International Transaction Account” (unfortunately?) not implemented.