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Senegal's new oil and gas exports have turned a chronic trade deficit into a surplus. The national statistics agency (ANSD) reported on 12 October a surplus of about $273 million in August, up from about $106 million in July, as exports rose 75.7% year on year to about $1.2 billion. Crude oil, gold and refined fuel led sales abroad; for January to August, the country recorded a surplus of about $159 million, against a deficit of about $1.8 billion a year earlier. Higher export earnings support Senegal's foreign-currency position as it seeks a debt restructuring and a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, and strengthen its hand with creditors.
