IMF gives Armenia access to $25.1 mln under SBA agreement
YEREVAN. June 10 (Interfax) - The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the first review under the stand-by program for Armenia, the IMF's press service said.
"The completion of the review enables access to an amount equivalent to SDR 18.4 million (about $25.1 million), bringing total access to SDR 36.8 million (about $50.2 million)," the press service said.
The Armenian authorities continue to view this arrangement as a precautionary measure and a tool for maintaining macroeconomic stability, the IMF said.
In early December 2025, the IMF Executive Board approved a new 36-month stand-by program for Armenia in the amount of 128.8 million SDR (approximately $175 million). Following the approval of the program, Armenia was given access to an amount equivalent to 18.4 million SDR (around $25 million).
The remaining amount will be provided in equal tranches subject to six semi-annual reviews, the IMF said. The new SBA (stand-by arrangement) will support the authorities' efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and advance the structural reform agenda.
The IMF also noted that Armenia's economic activity remains high, with real GDP growth expected to slow to 5.25% in 2026. In December, the IMF forecasted Armenia's GDP growth in 2026 at 5.5%.
It noted that inflation will remain high in the near term due to rising commodity prices and increased logistics costs related to changing trade routes, but will return to the Central Bank of Armenia's target over the forecast horizon.
"Short-term risks to the outlook stem from the unprecedented uncertainty related to the war in the Middle East. Over the medium term, a potential slowdown in the growth of trading partners and tighter global financial conditions could affect Armenia. However, external and financial sector buffers remain strong," the IMF said.
In December 2022, the IMF approved a stand-by program for Armenia totaling around $177 million to support the authorities' efforts to maintain macroeconomic, financial and fiscal stability and promote their domestic economic agenda.
