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IMF Country Report No. 25/35
CZECH REPUBLIC
2024 ARTICLE IV CONSULTATION—PRESS RELEASE; AND STAFF REPORT
February 2025
In the context of the 2024 Article IV Consultation, the following documents have been released and are included in this package:
A Press Release.
The Staff Report prepared by a staff team of the IMF for the Executive Board’s consideration on a lapse-of-time basis, following discussions that ended on November 26, 2024, with the officials of the Czech Republic on economic developments and policies. Based on information available at the time of these discussions, the staff report was completed on January 7, 2025.
An Informational Annex prepared by the IMF staff.
The documents listed below have been or will be separately released.
*Selected Issues
The IMF’s transparency policy allows for the deletion of market-sensitive information and premature disclosure of the authorities’ policy intentions in published staff reports and other documents.
Copies of this report are available to the public from
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© 2025 International Monetary Fund
Press Release
PR25/020
IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with the Czech Republic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC – February 4, 2025: On January 24, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2024 Article IV consultation1 with Czech Republic and endorsed the staff appraisal on a lapse-of-time basis without a meeting.
After a period of stagnation, growth has picked up since late 2023, but the recovery has been slow and uneven. Consumer spending has strengthened, sustained by a rebound in real wages and early signs of a decline in the household saving rate. In contrast, investment remains weak, hampered by uncertainty about global trade, the effects of tight domestic policies and a slow absorption of EU funds. Despite subdued economic activity and a decline in job vacancies, the Czech labor market continues to suffer from structural job shortages, particularly among skilled workers, and labor hoarding.
Led by lower commodity prices, restrictive monetary policy, and economic slack, headline inflation has reached the CNB’s 2 percent target and remained close to it over the past summer. It has drifted to 2.8 percent by October 2024, mainly reflecting volatile food prices and administered prices base effects. Core inflation stood at 2.4 percent, as lower goods price growth, was offset by sticky services price growth and recovery in real wages.
Driven by higher real disposable income, growth is expected to have extended its recovery in the second half of the year, but the currently restrictive policy mix and a weak external environment likely dampened near-term outcomes. In 2025, fiscal policy is set to turn neutral, while the need for monetary policy restriction will decrease as inflationary pressures ease. As the policy mix becomes more supportive of economic activity and external demand gradually strengthens, growth should gain further momentum. Wage moderation also supports competitiveness of Czech manufacturers in export markets. As a result, growth is expected to accelerate to 2.4 percent in 2025 from a projected 1 percent a year earlier.
Executive Board Assessment2
The Czech economy is slowly recovering after an unprecedented combination of shocks but faces structural headwinds. Following a period of stagnation, growth is picking up, as the policy mix becomes more supportive of economic activity and external demand gradually strengthens. Staff assesses the external position to be moderately stronger than the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policy settings in 2024 (Annex IV). Despite the cyclical upswing, however, weak productivity growth and structural labor shortages are set to weigh down medium-term potential growth, which is now estimated at around 2 percent.
Inflation has moderated and, after drifting higher on volatile food prices in the near term, is expected to converge back to target.
Risks to growth are on the downside while risks to inflation appear balanced. Further geoeconomic fragmentation and a weaker than anticipated recovery among key European trading partners, especially Germany, point to downside risks to growth and inflation. On the other hand, stronger wage growth and stickier than expected services inflation, along with protracted increases in commodity prices, could exert upward pressure on inflation.
Staff sees ground for continuing to lower the policy rate. With inflation expectations broadly anchored and output below potential, there is room for additional rate cuts to achieve by mid-2025 a neutral policy rate, which staff estimates at around 3 percent, albeit subject to large uncertainty. Further easing should be pursued in a gradual, data-dependent manner. Once uncertainty recedes and inflation stabilizes more closely to target, the CNB could consider placing more weight on forecast-based inflation targeting.
Consideration should be given to reducing the size of the central bank’s balance sheet over time. Profitability has been considerably improved through various ad hoc cost rationalization measures and diversification towards higher yielding assets. But focus should shift from profit maximization to balance sheet reduction. Aiming to gradually reduce the size of the balance sheet would help limit risks to the CNB’s financial position. To minimize any impact on the exchange rate, this could be done through a transparent and predictable mechanism of small, regular FX sales above and beyond the existing program.
A broadly neutral fiscal stance this year is appropriate, but additional measures will be needed over the medium term to counter spending pressures. Staff recommends a further adjustment of ½ percentage points of GDP annually over 2027–28 to reach a structural deficit of less than 1 percent of GDP by 2028. Productivity-enhancing spending should be safeguarded, and automatic stabilizers should operate freely.
Policy actions should be considered both on the revenue and the spending side. Staff encourages the authorities to reassess the composition of tax revenue. On the spending side, the reform of the Czech pension system is welcome, but further adjustments may be required in the future. Containing the expansion of the public sector workforce, including in fragmented local administrations, and improving targeting of social benefit can limit costs, while efficient absorption of EU funds could boost productivity.
Financial stability risks are contained and broadly unchanged since the last Article IV Consultation but warrant vigilance. Real estate risks should continue to be monitored closely. Given the relatively low risk weights on mortgage loans, supervisors should continue to review bank exposures and ensure that credit risks are accurately reflected in banks’ risk weights. The authorities should also continue to regularly evaluate the effect of mark-to-market losses on banks’ securities portfolios and the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on their corporate exposures. Finally, continued efforts are needed to reduce the transnational aspects of corruption and to safeguard the financial and real-estate sectors from money laundering risks and cross-border illicit financial flows.
Staff assesses the current macroprudential stance as appropriate. Caution should be exerted in considering additional easing. A further release of the CCyB would be advisable only in response to clear materialization of financial risks. Conversely, an increase in the CCyB rate should be considered in case of rapid credit growth and rising asset prices.
Swift action is needed to support the ongoing economic transformation. Building on the newly adopted Economic Strategy, the authorities are urged to undertake concrete policy measures. Structural policies should focus on facilitating the allocation of labor towards higher value-added sectors and firms, addressing the gender pay gap to boost labor participation, reducing administrative burden and red tape, accelerating digitalization, and promoting a more ambitious green transition.
Czech Republic: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–2025
Czech Republic: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–2025
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Projections | |||
|
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS | |||
|
Real GDP (expenditure) |
-0.1 |
1.0 |
2.4 |
|
Domestic demand |
-2.6 |
0.3 |
2.3 |
|
Output gap (percent of potential output) |
-1.0 |
-1.4 |
-0.6 |
|
LABOR MARKET | |||
|
Employment |
1.5 |
0.7 |
0.1 |
|
Unemployment rate (average, in percent) |
2.6 |
2.8 |
2.5 |
|
PRICES | |||
|
Consumer prices (average) |
10.7 |
2.5 |
2.4 |
|
Consumer prices (end-of-period) |
6.9 |
3.0 |
2.1 |
|
MACRO-FINANCIAL | |||
|
Broad money (M3) |
8.1 |
5.3 |
5.0 |
|
Private sector credit |
6.5 |
4.0 |
3.5 |
|
Ten-year government bond |
4.4 |
4.0 |
3.6 |
|
Exchange rate | |||
|
Nominal effective exchange rate (index, 2005=100) |
112.6 | ||
|
Real effective exchange rate (index, CPI-based; 2005=100) |
125.4 | ||
|
PUBLIC FINANCE (percent of GDP) | |||
|
General government revenue |
40.1 |
40.5 |
40.5 |
|
General government expenditure |
43.9 |
43.3 |
43.0 |
|
Net lending / Overall balance |
-3.8 |
-2.9 |
-2.5 |
|
Primary balance |
-3.2 |
-1.6 |
-1.3 |
|
Structural balance (percent of potential GDP) |
-2.6 |
-2.2 |
-2.2 |
|
General government debt |
42.4 |
43.5 |
44.5 |
|
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS (percent of GDP) | |||
|
Trade balance (goods and services) |
5.0 |
6.4 |
4.4 |
|
Current account balance |
0.3 |
1.6 |
0.3 |
|
Gross international reserves (billions of euros) |
134.3 |
143.3 |
152.3 |
|
(in months of imports of goods and services) |
7.9 |
8.2 |
8.0 |
|
(in percent of short-term debt, remaining maturity) |
119.1 |
121.9 |
123.3 |
Czech Republic: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–2025
|
2023 |
2024 |
2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Projections | |||
|
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS | |||
|
Real GDP (expenditure) |
-0.1 |
1.0 |
2.4 |
|
Domestic demand |
-2.6 |
0.3 |
2.3 |
|
Output gap (percent of potential output) |
-1.0 |
-1.4 |
-0.6 |
|
LABOR MARKET | |||
|
Employment |
1.5 |
0.7 |
0.1 |
|
Unemployment rate (average, in percent) |
2.6 |
2.8 |
2.5 |
|
PRICES | |||
|
Consumer prices (average) |
10.7 |
2.5 |
2.4 |
|
Consumer prices (end-of-period) |
6.9 |
3.0 |
2.1 |
|
MACRO-FINANCIAL | |||
|
Broad money (M3) |
8.1 |
5.3 |
5.0 |
|
Private sector credit |
6.5 |
4.0 |
3.5 |
|
Ten-year government bond |
4.4 |
4.0 |
3.6 |
|
Exchange rate | |||
|
Nominal effective exchange rate (index, 2005=100) |
112.6 | ||
|
Real effective exchange rate (index, CPI-based; 2005=100) |
125.4 | ||
|
PUBLIC FINANCE (percent of GDP) | |||
|
General government revenue |
40.1 |
40.5 |
40.5 |
|
General government expenditure |
43.9 |
43.3 |
43.0 |
|
Net lending / Overall balance |
-3.8 |
-2.9 |
-2.5 |
|
Primary balance |
-3.2 |
-1.6 |
-1.3 |
|
Structural balance (percent of potential GDP) |
-2.6 |
-2.2 |
-2.2 |
|
General government debt |
42.4 |
43.5 |
44.5 |
|
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS (percent of GDP) | |||
|
Trade balance (goods and services) |
5.0 |
6.4 |
4.4 |
|
Current account balance |
0.3 |
1.6 |
0.3 |
|
Gross international reserves (billions of euros) |
134.3 |
143.3 |
152.3 |
|
(in months of imports of goods and services) |
7.9 |
8.2 |
8.0 |
|
(in percent of short-term debt, remaining maturity) |
119.1 |
121.9 |
123.3 |
Title page
CZECH REPUBLIC
STAFF REPORT FOR THE 2024 ARTICLE IV CONSULTATION
January 7, 2025
KEY ISSUES
Context. The Czech Republic is evolving from a heavily manufacturing-based, export-oriented hub to a more mature and diversified economy. Non-auto manufacturing, energy, and construction, once important Czech engines of growth, have run out of steam, hampered by decelerating productivity growth, higher energy costs, and sluggish demand. The auto industry has shown resilience so far, but the required transition to electric vehicles and exposure to foreign competition are set to exert significant pressures in the coming years. Higher value-added sectors, including ICT services, are constrained by lack of skilled labor and limited access to capital, undermining their ability to compete in global markets.
Outlook and risks. After stagnating in 2022-23, the Czech economy is slowly recovering, as consumer spending is sustained by a rebound in real wages. Growth is poised to gain momentum as the policy mix becomes more supportive of economic activity and external demand gradually strengthens. Despite the cyclical upswing, however, weak productivity growth and structural labor shortages are set to weigh down potential growth. Inflation has moderated and, after drifting higher on volatile food prices in the near term, is expected to converge back to target. Risks to growth are on the downside, while risks to inflation appear balanced.
Policy recommendations. The policy mix has delivered prudent demand management and served the Czech Republic well, allowing a return towards price stability, while preserving fiscal and financial buffers. However, the country would benefit from more effective supply-side policies to support the ongoing transition. More specifically:
Monetary policy. With inflation expectations broadly anchored and output below potential, there is room for additional rate cuts to achieve by mid-2025 a neutral policy rate. Consideration should be given to reducing the size of the central bank’s balance sheet over time to help limit risks to the CNB’s financial position.
Fiscal policy. Fiscal consolidation efforts in 2024 have been commendable. A broadly neutral fiscal stance this year is appropriate, but additional measures will be needed over the medium term to counter spending pressures.
Financial policies. Financial stability risks are contained and broadly unchanged since the last Article IV Consultation but warrant vigilance. The current macroprudential stance is appropriate and caution should be exerted in considering additional easing.
Structural policies. Concrete actions should focus on facilitating the allocation of labor towards higher value-added sectors and firms, addressing the gender pay gap to boost labor participation, reducing administrative burden and red tape, accelerating digitalization, and promoting a more ambitious green transition.
Approved By
Oya Celasun (EUR) and Fabian Valencia (SPR)
Discussions were held in Prague during November 13-26, 2024. The team comprised Vincenzo Guzzo (head), Lukas Boer, Moataz El Said, Keyra Primus, and Guillermo Tolosa (all EUR). Hana Hejlová (OED) also participated in the mission. Mr. Alasal and Ms. Mitchell (all EUR) assisted with the mission and the preparation of the staff report. The mission met with the Governor of the Czech National Bank (CNB) Aleš Michl, CNB Deputy Governors Jan Frait and Eva Zamrazilová, and CNB Board Members Karina Kubelková and Jan Kubíček, CNB Executive Directors Libor Holub, Petr Král, and Jan Schmidt; Deputy Minister of Finance Marek Mora, Director General of Economic Strategies and Policies David Prušvic; other senior officials, and representatives from the private sector.
Contents
CONTEXT
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
OUTLOOK AND RISKS
POLICY DISCUSSIONS
A. Monetary Policy—Managing Inflation Risks as Restrictive Stance Is Gradually Removed
B. Fiscal Policy—Preserving Buffers while Supporting Transformation
C. Financial Sector Policies—Calibrating Frameworks with Evolving Risks
D. Structural Policies—Accelerating Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
STAFF APPRAISAL
BOXES
1. Key Challenges to Sustained Productivity Growth
2. The Czech Republic’s Auto Industry: Recent Developments and the Road Ahead
3. The Czech Republic’s Natural Rate of Interest
4. Is There a Cost for More Data-Dependent Monetary Policy?
FIGURES
1. Sectoral Growth Developments
2. Growth Developments
3. Labor Market Developments
4. Inflation Developments
5. Monetary Policy
6. Fiscal Sector
7. Financial Sector
8. Housing Loans and Property Prices
9. Financial Sector Indicators Relative to European Peers
10. Euroization of Corporate Loans
11. Non-financial Corporations
12. External Position and Competitiveness
TABLES
1. Selected Economic Indicators, 2020–29
2. Balance of Payments, 2020–29
3. General Government Operations, 2020–29
4. Macroeconomic Framework, 2020–29
5. Monetary Accounts, 2017–24M7
6. Financial Soundness Indicators, 2017–24Q1
ANNEXES
I. Estimating Potential Growth
II. Understanding Czech Koruna Exchange Rate Fluctuations
III. Risk Assessment Matrix
IV. External Sector Assessment
V. Sovereign Risk and Debt Sustainability Framework
VI. Data Issues
VII. Authorities’ Response to Past IMF Policy Recommendations
Under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country's economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.
The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.
