Activity gains collide with faster inflation and softer oil exports
Recovery signals remain split: July vehicle sales and port calls rose sharply, while bank credit reached its dataset peak. Inflation accelerated to 20.3% month on month and the latest oil-export reading slipped; the parallel dollar rate eased but remained above the official rate.
By the numbers
Inflation (MoM)
20.3%
Up from 13.5%; 48.3% of the January 2023 peak
Total new vehicle sales
5,683 vehicles
Up 16.6% month on month and 79.0% year on year
Venezuela port calls
242 calls
Up 15.2% from 210
Bank credit portfolio
VES 2,878.7bn
Up 1.1%; at the dataset peak
Oil exports
1,030 kbd
Down 0.9%; at 82.4% of the listed peak
Official FX rate
VES 772.5441/USD
Up 0.191%; 2.1% above the listed August 7 peak
Companies & capital
Entrepreneur-led metallurgical plant
The acting president reviewed progress at the metalworking facility.
Patria
Worker income-benefit disbursements began through the state platform.
What to watch
August 17, 2026
The official exchange rate is set at VES 772.5441 per dollar.
Late August 2026
Watch whether parallel-market easing narrows the gap with the official rate.
September 2026
The next monthly inflation reading will test whether July’s 20.3% acceleration persists.
Q3 2026
Track whether venture activity recovers from two rounds in the latest quarterly reading.
Worth your time
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