IMF Clears $140M for El Salvador Amid BTC Buy Clarifications
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with El Salvador on combined second and third reviews of the country's 40-month Extended Fund Facility arrangement. The deal clears approximately $140 million in funding, pending IMF Executive Board approval and completion of prior actions. This brings total disbursements under the EFF to around $1.4 billion.
The economic picture for El Salvador is stronger than expected, with real GDP growth exceeding projections in 2025 and forecasted at 4.5% in 2026. The NFPS primary surplus is expected to strengthen from 2.9% of GDP in 2026 to 3.7% by 2027.
The IMF confirmed that all Bitcoin accumulated since June 2025 came entirely from private donations, with no public resources used for further BTC buys. El Salvador has also transferred majority ownership and operational control of the Chivo e-wallet to a private operator, while retaining custodial responsibilities.