France Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
France's budget deficit was -5.44% in 2025, ranked 152nd globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
France's budget deficit stood at -5.44% in 2025, a rise of +0.33% from 2024. The IMF projects -5.44% by 2025. France ranked 152nd globally.
France’s general government budget deficit has widened markedly since the early 1980s, moving from a surplus of 0.76 percent of GDP in 1980 to a deep shortfall of –8.93 percent in 2020, the all‑time trough recorded during the pandemic‑induced economic shock. After a gradual recovery, the International Monetary Fund projects the deficit to stand at –5.44 percent of GDP in 2025, ranking France 152nd globally. This figure is closely aligned with the deficits of peer economies such as Gabon (–5.41 percent) and Armenia (–5.51 percent), reflecting a broader European trend of fiscal consolidation amid slower growth. The 46‑year span of data shows that the deficit’s trajectory has been largely counter‑cyclical, expanding sharply in downturns and retracting modestly in expansions. Continued improvement will depend on the pace of structural reforms and the ability to contain public spending while sustaining growth, which could gradually narrow the deficit in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -6.34% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -6.29% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -6.24% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -6.23% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -5.84% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -5.44% | - | - |
| 2025 | -5.44% | +0.33% | #152 |
| 2024 | -5.77% | −0.33% | #39 |
| 2023 | -5.44% | −0.70% | #37 |
| 2022 | -4.74% | +1.85% | #58 |
| 2021 | -6.58% | +2.35% | #47 |
| 2020 | -8.93% | −6.54% | #49 |
| 2019 | -2.39% | −0.07% | #79 |
| 2018 | -2.32% | +1.04% | #79 |
| 2017 | -3.37% | +0.40% | #61 |
| 2016 | -3.76% | +0.12% | #65 |
| 2015 | -3.89% | +0.68% | #67 |
| 2014 | -4.57% | +0.37% | #44 |
| 2013 | -4.94% | +0.23% | #41 |
| 2012 | -5.17% | +0.13% | #44 |
| 2011 | -5.30% | +1.86% | #37 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
France matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2019. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
France's budget deficit was -5.44% in 2025. Ranked 152nd globally. This represents a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
France's budget deficit peaked at 0.76% in 1980.
The lowest budget deficit in France was -8.93% in 2020.
France ranks 152nd globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
France's budget deficit is projected to reach -5.44% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of France in 2025 was -5.44%. This ranks 152nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_france_budget-deficit,
title = {France Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/france/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}