Marshall Islands Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Marshall Islands's budget deficit was 1.67% in 2025, ranked 18th globally. This represents a 53.6% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1997–2025.
Overview
Marshall Islands's budget deficit stood at 1.67% in 2025, a decline of +1.94% from 2024. The IMF projects 1.67% by 2025. Marshall Islands ranked 18th globally.
The Marshall Islands’ budget deficit has narrowed markedly from an all‑time peak of 13.53 % of GDP in 1998 to a trough of –22.28 % in 2005, before gradually moving back into positive territory and reaching 1.67 % in 2025, ranking it 18th globally among 29 years of IMF World Economic Outlook coverage. This recent figure places the islands just above Palau’s 1.47 % deficit and slightly below Denmark’s 1.80 %, illustrating a modest but steady improvement after the severe fiscal contraction of the early 2000s. The long‑term downward swing from the 1990s high reflects tighter fiscal consolidation and external assistance, while the modest surplus in 2025 signals a return to a more sustainable balance. Continued diversification of revenue sources and prudent expenditure controls will be crucial to maintain this positive trajectory and prevent a reversal toward the historic peak levels.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 0.02% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 0.07% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 0.60% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 0.68% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -5.28% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 1.67% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.67% | −1.94% | #18 |
| 2024 | 3.61% | +2.47% | #172 |
| 2023 | 1.14% | +0.46% | #162 |
| 2022 | 0.68% | +0.50% | #160 |
| 2021 | 0.18% | −2.36% | #168 |
| 2020 | 2.54% | +4.34% | #182 |
| 2019 | -1.80% | −4.36% | #95 |
| 2018 | 2.55% | −1.82% | #167 |
| 2017 | 4.38% | +0.50% | #182 |
| 2016 | 3.88% | +1.06% | #181 |
| 2015 | 2.81% | −0.38% | #179 |
| 2014 | 3.20% | +3.43% | #175 |
| 2013 | -0.23% | +0.53% | #151 |
| 2012 | -0.76% | −2.90% | #130 |
| 2011 | 2.13% | −1.38% | #167 |
Analysis
Marshall Islands's budget deficit was 1.67% in 2025, a decline of −1.94% from 2024. IMF projects 1.67% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marshall Islands's budget deficit was 1.67% in 2025. Ranked 18th globally. This represents a 53.6% decrease from the previous year.
Marshall Islands's budget deficit peaked at 13.53% in 1998.
The lowest budget deficit in Marshall Islands was -22.28% in 2005.
Marshall Islands ranks 18th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Marshall Islands's budget deficit is projected to reach 1.67% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Marshall Islands in 2025 was 1.67%. This ranks 18th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_marshall-islands_budget-deficit,
title = {Marshall Islands Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/marshall-islands/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}