Libya Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Libya's budget deficit was -4.31% in 2025, ranked 131st globally. This represents a 82.8% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Libya's budget deficit stood at -4.31% in 2025, a rise of +20.74% from 2024. The IMF projects -4.31% by 2025. Libya ranked 131st globally.
Libya’s primary budget deficit widened to –4.31 percent of GDP in 2025, placing the country 131st in the IMF World Economic Outlook ranking and marginally lower than peers such as Austria (–4.25 percent) and Mexico (–4.32 percent). The deficit trajectory has swung dramatically over the 36‑year sample, moving from a surplus of 3.35 percent in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 30.38 percent in 2005, a year marked by high oil revenues and expansive public spending. The subsequent collapse of oil prices and prolonged conflict drove the deficit into a historic trough of –30.51 percent in 2014, reflecting severe fiscal contraction and revenue shortfalls. Since that low, the deficit has gradually improved but remains negative, indicating persistent structural imbalances and limited fiscal buffers. Continued diversification of revenue sources and stabilization of oil output will be crucial for reversing the current deficit trend and moving Libya toward a sustainable fiscal position.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -1.14% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -1.06% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -1.08% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -1.11% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -1.01% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -4.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | -4.31% | +20.74% | #131 |
| 2024 | -25.05% | −33.27% | #2 |
| 2023 | 8.22% | −15.38% | #186 |
| 2022 | 23.60% | +8.77% | #188 |
| 2021 | 14.83% | +37.10% | #190 |
| 2020 | -22.27% | −34.20% | #3 |
| 2019 | 11.93% | +2.54% | #188 |
| 2018 | 9.39% | +20.46% | #187 |
| 2017 | -11.06% | +18.23% | #3 |
| 2016 | -29.29% | −0.80% | #2 |
| 2015 | -28.49% | +2.02% | #2 |
| 2014 | -30.51% | −14.21% | #2 |
| 2013 | -16.30% | −40.91% | #1 |
| 2012 | 24.61% | +36.06% | #189 |
| 2011 | -11.45% | −22.92% | #5 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Libya matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Libya's budget deficit was -4.31% in 2025. Ranked 131st globally. This represents a 82.8% increase from the previous year.
Libya's budget deficit peaked at 30.38% in 2005.
The lowest budget deficit in Libya was -30.51% in 2014.
Libya ranks 131st globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Libya's budget deficit is projected to reach -4.31% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Libya in 2025 was -4.31%. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_libya_budget-deficit,
title = {Libya Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/libya/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}