Jamaica Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Jamaica's debt service was 25.66% in 2025, ranked 18th globally. This represents a 19.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1976–2025.
Overview
Jamaica's debt service stood at 25.66% in 2025, a decline of +6.19% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 25.66% by 2025. Jamaica ranked 18th globally.
Jamaica's debt service has experienced significant fluctuations over the past five decades. The all-time peak of 87.92 in 2015 reflects the country's struggle with servicing its debt, a challenge exacerbated by global economic downturns. Conversely, the all-time trough of 13.91 in 1998 highlights Jamaica's relative success in managing its debt during that period. The latest reading of 25.66 in 2025 places Jamaica at number 18 globally, indicating some progress in debt management. In comparison, Dominica, Jamaica's closest peer, has a debt service of 26.55, suggesting that both countries face similar challenges in managing their debt obligations. The trajectory of Jamaica's debt service is expected to remain a key concern for policymakers, who will need to navigate the impact of external factors such as global interest rates and commodity prices on the country's debt dynamics in order to achieve sustained progress in debt management.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 19.73% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 22.69% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 25.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 25.66% | −6.19% | #18 |
| 2024 | 31.85% | −6.19% | #96 |
| 2023 | 38.04% | +15.43% | #106 |
| 2022 | 22.61% | −6.48% | #96 |
| 2021 | 29.09% | −22.06% | #95 |
| 2020 | 51.15% | −34.89% | #112 |
| 2019 | 86.04% | +62.21% | #115 |
| 2018 | 23.83% | −3.15% | #93 |
| 2017 | 26.98% | −13.27% | #98 |
| 2016 | 40.26% | −47.66% | #112 |
| 2015 | 87.92% | +54.35% | #116 |
| 2014 | 33.57% | +7.30% | #107 |
| 2013 | 26.27% | −11.11% | #103 |
| 2012 | 37.38% | +0.76% | #109 |
| 2011 | 36.62% | +8.58% | #111 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's debt service was 25.66% in 2025. Ranked 18th globally. This represents a 19.4% decrease from the previous year.
Jamaica's debt service peaked at 87.92% in 2015.
The lowest debt service in Jamaica was 13.91% in 1998.
Jamaica ranks 18th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Jamaica's debt service is projected to reach 25.66% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Jamaica in 2025 was 25.66%. This ranks 18th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_debt-service,
title = {Jamaica Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}