Media Releases for 2019
- Category: Economic Release
Remittance receipts grew even though the June and July’s festivities are over. August 2016 recorded total remittance receipts of $24.8 million, $2.7 million (12.0%) higher than July, and $4.3 million (21.1%) higher than August 2015. This is the highest monthly record of remittance receipts so far in 2016. Read more in the Remittances Report for August.
- Category: Economic Release
The indicators of local economic activities in September were mixed but overall, broadly positive. The NRBT’s expectation for strong domestic economic activity remains in the near term. The level of foreign reserves is also expected to remain comfortable supported by higher expected receipts of remittances and foreign aid, despite the projected rise in imports.
- Category: Economic Release
Annual inflation rose by 7.0%. The significant rise stems from the new customs duties on imported food products as well as domestic prices being at very low levels last year. However, over the month of September 2016, the monthly headline inflation rate fell by 0.3%. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for September.
- Category: Economic Release
The total volume of agricultural exports declined over the month by 173.0 tonnes (19.7%) to 707.3 tonnes, indicating a slowdown in harvesting season. All categories of root crops decreased with yam recording the highest decline of 117.8 tonnes (42.8%), particularly late yams. Read more in the Agricultural Exports Volumes Report for August.
- Category: Economic Release
At the end of August 2016, a total number of 793 containers were registered. An increase of 2 vessels in the number of cargo ships that arrived in August 2016 contributed to the higher registrations over the month of 62 containers (8.5%). Read more in the Container Registrations Report for August.
- Category: Economic Release
The total number of vehicle registrations declined over the month of August 2016. Almost all categories fell except government vehicle registrations. Light vehicles fell by 19 vehicles (15.4%), cars decreased by 15 vehicles (12.4%), heavy vehicle by 11 vehicles (31.4%) Read more in the Vehicle Registrations Report for August.
- Category: Economic Release
Over the month of July 2016, 731 containers were registered with the majority being business containers. Total registrations dropped by 201 containers (21.6%), following a strong month in June 2016. Both business and private containers contributed to the monthly decrease. Read more in the Container Registrations Report for July.
- Category: Economic Release
The NRBT expects the fisheries sector will continue to grow, with tuna exports being the main contributor. The Ministry of Fisheries plans to expand the pearl industry, and new markets available for seaweed exports in the coming year would contribute to the expected 2.0% growth in the fisheries sector for 2016/17. Read more in the Marine Exports Volume for July 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
A steady growth was reported for the month of July which recorded 307 vehicle registrations. Vehicles registered increased by 7 vehicles (2.3%) compares to that of the previous month. Read more in the Vehicle Registrations Report for July.
- Category: Economic Release
Activity in the tourism industry slowed down over the month following the completion of festivities and events that took place in the previous month. The total number of international arrivals1 declined by 3,073 passengers (25.8%), due to decreases in all categories. Read more in the International Arrivals and Departures report for July.
- Category: Economic Release
By end of July 2016, the agricultural exports volume recorded 879.9 tonnes, this is the highest monthly exports for 2016, 365.5 tonnes (71.1%) more compared to the previous month. This was mainly due to a significant increase in the volume of cassava exports, rising by 283.2 tonnes (200.8%). Read more in the Agricultural Exports Volumes Report for July.
- Category: Economic Release
A decrease in business loans over the month outweighed an increase in household loans. As a result, lending in the banking sector slightly declined by $0.4 million (0.1%) to $351.9 million, following 18 consecutive months of credit growth. Find out more in the Banking Sector Developments report for July 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
Global growth continued to remain relatively stable. The U.S. according to the Consensus Forecasts experienced soft GDP growth of 1.2% in the June quarter due to weak growth indicators within the manufacturing and service sectors. Whereas for the Euro Zone’s GDP growth halved over the June quarter compared to 0.6% growth in March quarter.
- Category: Economic Release
Headline inflation over the month of July was 2.8%. This was driven by a rise in prices of imported food; tobacco and alcohol, with the introduction of a new excise tax. Prices of imported transportation (fuel) contributed as well. In year ended terms, headline inflation was at its highest for this year at 1.6%, surpassing a peak of 1.4% back in March 2016. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for July.
- Category: Economic Release
Monthly headline inflation rose over June by 0.5%. This was driven by a rise in prices of imported fuel and Kava powder from the domestic basket components. In year ended terms, headline inflation was 0.1%. The rise in prices of domestic components were more than enough to offset a decline in the prices of imported goods. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for June.
- Category: Economic Release
The Consensus Forecasts in its July 2016 update predicted further policy easing in many Asian countries in the near future due to the Brexit uncertainty and the associated downside risks to the global economy. The outlook for the United States (US), Australia, Japan and noticeably in the UK has been revised down for 2017. Meanwhile, growth in the US, Australia and New Zealand in Q1 remained robust while growth in the Chinese economy continued to slow down in Q2.
- Category: Economic Release
The events during the month of June 2016 supported the higher container registrations, recording a total number of 932 containers. This is an increase of 65 containers (7.5%) from May 2016 and it was mainly driven by a rise of 73 private containers (19.4%), more than offsetting a fall in business containers by 8 registrations (1.6%). Read more in the Container Registrations Report for June.
- Category: Economic Release
High inflows of official transfers resulted in a significant increase in total OET receipts for the month of April 2016 to $58.5 million, $13.7 million (30.5%) higher than March 2016. Also in the same month, Total OET payments markedly increased over the month of May 2016 by $8.5 million (18.3%) to $55.1 million. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for May 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
A total of 176.8 metric tons of marine exports1 were recorded in May 2016, which is an increase in the total volume by 34.3 metric tons (24.1%) compared to April 2016. Read more in the Marine Exports Volume for May 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
New vehicle registrations rose significantly in May by 110 new registered vehicles (44.0%), reaching a new monthly high record of 360 new registrations, the highest since December 2015. Read more in the Vehicle Registrations Report for May.
- Category: Economic Release
A significant fall in arrivals by ship drove the overall decline in the total number of international arrivals by 1,446 passengers (14.2%) over the month. There was no cruise ship arriving in May in contrast to 2 cruise ships arriving in April. Read more in the International Arrivals and Departures report for May.
- Category: Economic Release
Tonga celebrates Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and White Sunday all in the month of May. Remittances received over the month in New Zealand dollar (NZD), US Dollar (USD) and Australian dollar (AUD) increased, whilst remittances in Japanese YEN (JPY) and Fijian dollar (FJD) declined. Read more in the Remittances Report for May.
- Category: Economic Release
A rebound in the export of tuna drove an increase in total volume of marine exports1 over the month by 6.6 metric tons (4.9%). Tuna exports rose by 30.8 metric tons (29.7%) compared to the previous month. Read more in the Marine Exports Volume for April 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
Total bank lending broke another record high of $348.7 million in May, increasing by $4.7 million (1.4%) over the month. Total bank deposits rose over the month by $9.8 million (2.2%) to $453.7 million after declining for 2 consecutive months. Find out more in the Banking Sector Developments report for May.
- Category: Economic Release
An increase of 3 vessels in the number of cargo ships arriving in May drove a rise in the total number of container registrations over the month, by 68 registrations (8.5%). Business containers sustained its number from previous month whilst private containers rose by 68 registrations to record a total of 376 containers in May. Read more in the Container Registrations Report for May.
- Category: Economic Release
Lower exports of root crops, fruits and vegetable products drove a 326.6 tonnes (43.0%) decline in total agricultural exports volume over the month. This was largely driven by a decrease of 292 tonnes in the exports of late yams, following a significant increase in April by 338.8 tonnes. Read more in the Agricultural Exports Volumes Report for May.
- Category: Economic Release
A 1.1% rise in imported prices over the month of May was offset by a 1.8% decline in domestic prices, which resulted in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) declining by 0.2%. Domestic food prices decreased the most by 3.8% due to lower prices recorded for root crops. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for May.
- Category: Economic Release
Global growth outlook for 2016/17 was downgraded by 0.1% to 3.4% due to increased uncertainty following the outcome of the U.K referendum to exit from the European Union. The outlook for the United States economy has worsened due to further falls in business investment and similarly latest data confirmed persistent weakness in China’s growth despite hopes for recovery at the end of the first quarter.
- Category: Economic Release
Remittances received remain high over the month of April 2016 with an increase of 5% ($1.0 million) to $20.4 million, representing 34% of total overseas exchange transaction (OET) receipts for the month. The rise is comprised of a $0.6 million increase in transfers received by individuals for private household constructions over the month. Read more in the Remittances Report for April.
- Category: Economic Release
Pacific Pearl and Sea Princess brought 3,690 passengers altogether, contributing to a 2,279 increase in total international passengers arrived into the country. Air arrivals also rose by 487 with majority of them were from New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Various reasons were in factor for the increase of visitors and can be found with more in the International Arrivals and Departures report for April.
- Category: Economic Release
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) in its February 2016 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), which was recently released, revised its growth estimates for the 2014/15 financial year from 2.5% to 2.6%. This was due to new data received for the fisheries sector from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Food and Fisheries (MAFFF). The strong performance in this sector drove the slight increase in the revised growth estimates for 2015/16.
- Category: Economic Release
Total bank lending reached another high in April, striking $344.0 million, recording a 1.6% increase from the previous month. Total bank deposits continued to fall over the month by $1.3 million (0.3%) to $440.0 million, driven by a 3.8% decline in demand deposits offsetting increases in savings and term deposits. Find out more in the Banking Sector Developments report for April 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
A rebound in the exports of root vegetable products drove a significant rise in total agricultural exports volume over the month by 419.2 tonnes (123.2%). All root vegetable products rose with exports of yams markedly increased by 338.8 tonnes reflecting the harvesting season of late yams. Read more in the Agricultural Exports Volumes Report for April.
- Category: Economic Release
Cargo ships arriving decreased by 4 vessels during April, resulted in only 799 containers registered which is a 18.9% decrease compared to 985 containers registered the previous month. Both businessa nd private registrations declined over the month by 118 and 68 registrations respectively. Read more in the Container Registrations Report for April.
- Category: Economic Release
Consumer Price Index recorded a slight increase over April by 0.2%, driven by the shortage in supply of Kava-Tonga. Exporting of Kava-Tonga fell in April due to the ongoing short supply. Domestic prices continues to increase by 0.1% driven by a 2.9% in the price of Kava-Tonga. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for April.
- Category: Economic Release
Total OET receipts for the month of April 2016 increased significantly to $58.5 million, $13.7 million (30.5%) higher than March 2016. Also in the same month, Total OET payments dropped to $46.6 million, posting a 16.3% decrease. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for April 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
April registered 250 vehicles, that's a 29.5% increase from the previous month. Cars rose to 107 and light vehicles increased to 92, continuing their dominance of the registry. The increase coincides with a rise in import payments for vehicles of $0.4 million to 1.3 million in April. Read more in the Vehicle Registrations Report for April.
- Category: Economic Release
Economic growth in the overseas economies were mixed yet continued to support domestic activity. The slowdown in household consumption and exports drove a held back in the US economy. The US dollar has weakened in April driven by soft economic activity and low US inflation ...
- Category: Economic Release
Lower OET receipts were reported for the month of March 2016, as it declined by $9.8 million (17.9%) to $44.9 million. This was due mainly to lower receipts in the financial and current accounts over the month. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for March 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
Total bank lending increased over the month and over the year by $6.1 million (1.8%) and $36.8 million (12.2%) respectively. Total bank deposits declined over the month by $2.5 million (0.6%) to $426.5 million, after consecutive growth in the last 11 months. Find out more in the Banking Sector Developments report for March 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
Total bank lending increased in February by 0.9% ($3million) to $331.9 million, driven by an increase in household loans. Total bank deposits recorded a 1.4% ($6 million) increase over the month reaching a new record high of $429 million. Find out more in the Banking Sector Developments report for February 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
In March 2016, there were 193 vehicle registered by the Ministry of Infrastructure. Vehicles registered increased by 8 vehicles (4.3%) compared to that of the previous month. The majority of vehicles registered during the month were cars (85) and light vehicles (73). Read more in the Vehicle Registrations Report for March.
- Category: Economic Release
Higher exports in fruit products drove a rise in total agricultural exports volume by 15.3 tonnes (4.7%) to 340.3 tonnes over the month. Specifically, exports of brown coconut rose by 15.2 tonnes (15.0%) and breadfruits increased by 11.2 tonnes. Read more in the Agricultural Exports Volumes Report for March.
- Category: Economic Release
The total number of international arrivals fell by 4,070 passengers (35.5%) over the month due to a significant fall in arrivals by ship. Read more in the International Arrivals and Departures Report for March.
- Category: Economic Release
The delays in the shipments that were scheduled for February due to Cyclone Winston resulted in a significant increase in the total number of container registrations in March by 375 (61.5%). Majority of the containers were for businesses which rose by 301 (97.7%). Read more in the Container Registrations Report for March.
- Category: Economic Release
A comparison of the commercial banks and foreign exchange dealers’ exchange rates and fees & charges applicable for both inward (receipts) and outward (payments) telegraphic transfers is reflected on the tables below. This should enable the general public to compare products across the banks and foreign exchange dealers and to assist with informed decision making.
This comparison is updated weekly.
22 November 2019
Download a copy of the comparison | 
623 KB
Exchange Rates Comparison - Inward Receipts
| Inward Receipts | $100 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | ||||
| Bank | Speed of Transfer | Rates | Fee (TOP) | Gov't Levy | Amount Received (TOP) | ||||
| Australian Dollar |
|||||||||
| ANZ | 1 - 2 Days | 0.6396 | 15.00 | 141.35 | 1,548.48 | 3,111.95 | 7,802.39 | 15,619.77 | |
| BSP | 1 - 2 Days | 0.6424 | 10.00 | 145.67 | 1,546.66 | 3,103.33 | 7,773.31 | 15,556.63 | |
| MBf | 1 Day | 0.6417 | 0.00 | 155.84 | 1,558.40 | 3,116.80 | 7,792.00 | 15,584.00 | |
| TDB | 1 Day | 0.6399 | 5.00 | 151.27 | 1,557.74 | 3,120.49 | 7,808.72 | 15,662.44 | |
| Fexco Tonga Ltd | Less than 1 hour | 0.6461 | 0.00 | 154.77 | 1,547.75 | 3,095.50 | 7,738.74 | 15,477.48 | |
| Rowena Financial Services | Less than 1 hour | 0.6716 | 0.00 | 148.90 | 1,488.98 | 2,977.96 | 7,444.91 | 14,889.82 | |
| T&T Money Transfer | 1 - 3 Days | 0.6578 | Varies | 147.02 | 1,510.22 | 3,030.44 | 7,591.09 | 15,192.19 | |
| Island Flexi Transfer | Less than 1 hour | 0.6536 | 0.00 | 153.00 | 1,530.00 | 3,060.00 | 7,650.00 | 15,300.00 | |
| New Zealand Dollar |
|||||||||
| ANZ | 1 - 2 Days | 0.6921 | 15.00 | 129.49 | 1,429.88 | 2,874.76 | 7,209.39 | 14,433.78 | |
| BSP | 1 - 2 Days | 0.6919 | 10.00 | 134.53 | 1,435.30 | 2,880.59 | 7,216.48 | 14,442.96 | |
| MBf | 1 Day | 0.6908 | 0.00 | 144.76 | 1,447.60 | 2,895.20 | 7,238.00 | 14,476.00 | |
| TDB | 1 Day | 0.6887 | 5.00 | 140.20 | 1,447.01 | 2,899.02 | 7,255.06 | 14,515.11 | |
| Fexco Tonga Ltd | Less than 1 hour | 0.6939 | 0.00 | 144.11 | 1,441.13 | 2,882.26 | 7,205.65 | 14,411.30 | |
| Rowena Financial Services | Less than 1 hour | 0.7170 | 0.00 | 139.47 | 1,394.70 | 2,789.40 | 6,973.50 | 13,947.00 | |
| T&T Money Transfer | 1 - 3 Days | 0.7042 | Varies | 137.01 | 1,410.05 | 2,830.10 | 7,090.26 | 14,190.51 | |
| 'Ave Pa'anga Pau - TDB | Less than 1 hour | 0.7098 | 0.00 | 140.88 | 1,405.48 | 2,817.70 | 7,044.44 | 14,088.48 | |
| Frank Money Transfer | 5 minutes | 0.6897 | Varies | 140.00 | 1,440.00 | 2,890.00 | 7,240.00 | 14,490.00 | |
| SAV Money Transfer | Less than 1 hour | 0.7143 | 0.00 | 140.00 | 1,400.00 | 2,800.00 | 7,000.00 | 14,000.00 | |
| United States Dollar |
|||||||||
| ANZ | 1 - 2 Days | 0.4413 | 15.00 | 211.60 | 2,251.03 | 4,517.06 | 11,315.16 | 22,645.32 | |
| BSP | 1 - 2 Days | 0.4423 | 10.00 | 216.09 | 2,250.91 | 4,511.82 | 11,294.51 | 22,599.09 | |
| MBf | 1 Day | 0.4416 | 0.00 | 226.43 | 2,264.30 | 4,528.60 | 11,321.50 | 22,643.00 | |
| TDB | 1 Day | 0.4438 | 5.00 | 220.33 | 2,248.27 | 4,501.53 | 11,261.34 | 22,527.67 | |
| Fexco Tonga Ltd | Less than 1 hour | 0.4423 | 0.00 | 226.09 | 2,260.91 | 4,521.82 | 11,304.54 | 22,609.09 | |
| Rowena Financial Services | Less than 1 hour | 0.4568 | 0.00 | 218.91 | 2,189.14 | 4,378.28 | 10,945.71 | 21,891.42 | |
| Best Exchange Rate | |
| Best Deal after considering both exchange rate and fees & charges |
Disclaimer: Please note these are just indicative spot rates, please contact banks for firm quotes.
- Category: Economic Release
A comparison of the commercial banks' exchange rates and fees & charges applicable for both inward (receipts) and outward (payments) telegraphic transfers is reflected below. This should enable the general public to compare products across the banks and to assist with informed decision making.
This comparison is updated daily.
28 November 2019
Download a copy of the comparison | 721 KB
Exchange Rates Comparison - Inward Receipts
| Inward Payments | $100 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | ||
| Bank | Buy Rates |
Fee (TOP) | Amount Paid (TOP) | ||||
| Australian Dollar |
|||||||
| ANZ | 0.6482 | 15.00 | 139.27 | 1,527.73 | 3,070.47 | 7,698.67 | 15,412.34 |
| BSP | 0.6509 | 10.00 | 143.63 | 1,526.33 | 3,062.67 | 7,671.67 | 15,353.34 |
| MBf | 0.6502 | 0.00 | 153.79 | 1,537.90 | 3,075.80 | 7,689.50 | 15,379.00 |
| TDB | 0.6483 | 5.00 | 149.25 | 1,537.50 | 3,079.99 | 7,707.48 | 15,419.96 |
| New Zealand Dollar |
|||||||
| ANZ | 0.6891 | 15.00 | 130.12 | 1,436.17 | 2,887.34 | 7,240.84 | 14,496.68 |
| BSP | 0.6885 | 10.00 | 135.24 | 1,442.43 | 2,897.87 | 7,252.16 | 14,514.33 |
| MBf | 0.6874 | 0.00 | 145.48 | 1,454.80 | 2,909.60 | 7,274.00 | 14,548.00 |
| TDB | 0.6857 | 5.00 | 140.84 | 1,453.36 | 2,911.73 | 7,286.82 | 14,578.64 |
| United States Dollar |
|||||||
| ANZ | 0.4412 | 15.00 | 211.65 | 2,251.55 | 4,518.09 | 11,317.73 | 22,650.46 |
| BSP | 0.4422 | 10.00 | 216.14 | 2,251.42 | 4,512.84 | 11,297.10 | 22,604.20 |
| MBf | 0.4415 | 0.00 | 226.48 | 2,264.80 | 4,529.60 | 11,324.00 | 22,648.00 |
| TDB | 0.4437 | 5.00 | 220.38 | 2,248.78 | 4,502.55 |
11,263.88 | 22,532.75 |
| Best Exchange Rate | |
| Best Deal after considering both exchange rate and fees & charges |
Disclaimer: Please note these are just indicative spot rates, please contact banks for firm quotes.
- Category: Economic Release
Remittances received continued to rise over the month of March 2016 by 5% ($0.9 million) to $19.4 million, representing 43% of total overseas exchange transaction (OET) receipts for the month. Read more in the Remittances Report for March.
- Category: Economic Release
Recovery in overseas economies has been uneven, and uncertainties in the global outlook remain. Real Gross Domestic Product in the US increased by 0.5% in the first quarter (Q1) of 2016 compared with a 1.4% growth in the fourth quarter of 2015 ...
- Category: Economic Release
The month of February is normally associated with low OET Receipts. However, for February 2016, total OET receipts reached $54.7 million, $15.6 million (39.7%) higher than the previous month, and $19.5 million (55.4%) higher than the same month last year. This was largely attributed to a $9.6 million increase in other financial investments. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for February 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
Total OET receipts decline to $39.1 million in the month of January. However, over the year, total OET receipts rose by $77.3 million (15.4%) to $579.2 million, supported by higher transfer and services inflows received throughout the year. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for January 2016.
- Category: Economic Release
The domestic economy in February bounced back after a downturn in the previous month. The rebound of the primary sector is in line with an increase in domestic food prices by 2.1% which is lower than a 2.6% rise in January. For more details, please read more into the Monthly Economic Review for the month of January and find out more and the NRBT outlook for the future.
- Category: Economic Release
Total bank lending rose over the month by 1.1% to $328.9 million, resulting from increases in lending to both businesses and households. For more information and figures, read more into the Banking Sector Developments report of January and find out more.
- Category: Economic Release
Total OET receipts rose to $59.5 million after a fall to $41.0 million, recording its highest for 2015. On annual terms, the year 2015 showed strong inflows with OET receipts rising by 14.3% to $579.6 million. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for December 2015.
- Category: Economic Release
Total bank lending increased over the month and year by 0.5% and 12.8% respectively, driven by an increase in both household and business lending. For more information and figures, read more into the Banking Sector Developments report of December and find out more.
- Category: Economic Release
Over the month of January, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.9% as a result of domestic prices increasing by 5.2%. On the outlook, NRBT continues to expect that headline inflation will remain low in the near term. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for January.
- Category: Economic Release
Overall economic activity in January 2016 showed a downturn following a busy month with Christmas festivities and other events. For more details, please read more into the Monthly Economic Review for the month of January and find out more and the NRBT outlook for the future.
- Category: Economic Release
Tourism activity for December 2015 increased over the month as both arrivals and departures rose by 69.6% and 37.2% respectively. The annual festivities contributed to the seasonal increase specifically the church conferences, school anniversaries, villages and various family re-unions that took place in December. Read the latest Air Arrivals & Departure for more details.
- Category: Economic Release
Total agricultural exports volume declined sharply over the month by 81.5% from 2,885.8 to 533.0 tonnes. Evidently, the closing of the squash season contributed largely to this decrease with volumes dropping by 91.9% from 2,484.0 to 202.0 tonnes. Find out more in the Agricultural Exports Volume report of December for the outlook for the future.
- Category: Economic Release
Overall domestic economic activity continue to support the NRBT’s forecast of stronger growth for 2015/16, supported by a growing construction sector, buoyant tourism industry, and a vibrant trade sector offsetting the seasonal decline in agricultural output during the month. For more details, please read more into the Monthly Economic Review for the month of November and find out more and the NRBT outlook for the future.
- Category: Economic Release
The total number of container registrations increased to a record high of 1,290 during the month of December last year. On the outlook, NRBT expects container registrations to generally increase in 2015/16. Read the latest Container Registrations Report for more details.
- Category: Economic Release
The total remittances receipt for the month of June was $19.2 million, representing 32.9% of the Total Overseas Exchange Transaction (OET) Receipts. NRBT will continue to closely monitor the remittances receipts which are anticipated to rise due to the King's Coronation and other events. Read the Remittances Report for June for more information.
- Category: Economic Release
Prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.3% over the month of December, after slight 0.5% decrease recorded the previous month. This was driven mainly by a 1.7% rise in domestic prices. On the outlook, NRBT continues to expect that headline inflation will remain low in the near term. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for December.
- Category: Economic Release
Banks competition and low interest rates have contributed to a strong demand for housing loans. Banking data for the month of November 2015 has revealed that business loans and particularly housing loans continue to rise recording credit growth of 1.2% over the month and 12.0% over the year. Read more into the Banking Sector Development for November for more.
- Category: Economic Release
Total bank lending increased over the month and year by 1.4% and 13.8% respectively, driven by an increase in both household and business lending. Notably, housing loans is at its highest level since October 2009. For more information and figures, read more into the Banking Sector Developments report of October and find out more.
- Category: Economic Release
Total OET receipts for the month of October 2015 rose to $58.4 million, 7.0% more than September, and 42.4% higher than the same month last year. On year ended terms, OET receipts increased by 16.4% to $580.5 million, compared to $498.6 million in the previous year. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for October 2015.
- Category: Economic Release
The total OET receipts over the month of September still remained high at $54.6 million, although 1.0% lower compared to the previous month. In year ended terms, OET receipts increased by 9.2% to $563.1 million, compared to $515.5 million in the previous year. You can find out more about this in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for September 2015.
- Category: Economic Release
After increasing by 0.3% over the month of October, CPI recorded a slight 0.5% decrease in November. This descent was driven by lower imported and domestic prices, particularly lover Food prices. On the outlook, NRBT continues to expect that headline inflation will remain low in the near term. Read more in the latest Inflation Rate Report for November.
- Category: Economic Release
Developments among Tonga’s key trading partners varied yet continued to support domestic activities which livened up over the month of November in preparation for the holiday season. For more details, please read more into the Monthly Economic Review for the month of November and find out more and the NRBT outlook for the future.
- Category: Economic Release
Total Bank Lending and Deposits rose by 1.8% and 1.1% respectively over the month of September. In contrast, Weighted average interest rate spread slightly fell from 5.99% to 5.98% over the same period. For more information and figures, read more into the Banking Sector Developments report of September and find out more.
- Category: Economic Release
Vehicle registrations rose slightly by 7.4% over November. Light vehicles, Taxis and rentals were the main drivers while Buses and Heavy Vehicles contributed to the rise. Lower fuel prices also supported the monthly rise in registrations. For the outlook perspective, read more the Vehicle Registrations report for November of last year and find out more.
