Macao SAR, China Regulatory Quality
Regulatory Quality RQ.EST
Macao SAR, China's regulatory quality was 1.92 in 2025, ranked 5th globally. This represents a 7.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Macao SAR, China's regulatory quality stood at 1.92 in 2025, a rise of +0.13 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.92 by 2025. Macao SAR, China ranked 5th globally.
Macao SAR’s regulatory quality score has risen sharply over the 26‑year series, moving from an early‑period low of 0.55 in 1996 to a trough of 0.52 in 2000 before climbing to an all‑time peak of 1.92 in 2025, the fifth‑highest figure worldwide. This trajectory reflects sustained reforms that have improved the predictability and transparency of business regulations, aligning the territory more closely with advanced economies. In 2025 Macao’s score of 1.92 is just below Australia’s 1.96 and New Zealand’s 1.89, while still trailing Denmark’s 2.02 and Ireland’s 1.80, underscoring its competitive position among high‑performing peers. The steep ascent since the early 2000s suggests that continued emphasis on digital governance, anti‑corruption measures and stakeholder consultation could sustain the upward momentum, while any reversal in fiscal or political stability would likely temper the forward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Regulatory Quality | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.97 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.92 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.92 | +0.13 | #5 |
| 2023 | 1.79 | −0.03 | #6 |
| 2022 | 1.82 | +0.05 | #6 |
| 2021 | 1.78 | +0.04 | #7 |
| 2020 | 1.74 | +0.12 | #9 |
| 2019 | 1.62 | +0.01 | #13 |
| 2018 | 1.61 | −0.14 | #17 |
| 2017 | 1.75 | −0.02 | #12 |
| 2016 | 1.77 | +0.01 | #10 |
| 2015 | 1.76 | +0.04 | #10 |
| 2014 | 1.73 | +0.39 | #12 |
| 2013 | 1.34 | −0.01 | #23 |
| 2012 | 1.35 | +0.02 | #23 |
| 2011 | 1.33 | −0.02 | #24 |
| 2010 | 1.35 | +0.07 | #26 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Macao SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw regulatory quality improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Macao SAR, China's regulatory quality was 1.92 in 2025. Ranked 5th globally. This represents a 7.3% increase from the previous year.
Macao SAR, China's regulatory quality peaked at 1.92 in 2025.
The lowest regulatory quality in Macao SAR, China was 0.52 in 2000.
Macao SAR, China ranks 5th globally in regulatory quality as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RQ.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Macao SAR, China's regulatory quality is projected to reach 1.92 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The regulatory quality of Macao SAR, China in 2025 was 1.92. This ranks 5th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_macao-sar-china_regulatory-quality,
title = {Macao SAR, China Regulatory Quality},
url = {https://historysaid.com/macao-sar-china/regulatory-quality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}