Palau Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Palau's budget deficit was 1.47% in 2025, ranked 19th globally. This represents a 12.3% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Palau's budget deficit stood at 1.47% in 2025, a decline of +0.21% from 2024. The IMF projects 1.47% by 2025. Palau ranked 19th globally.
Palau's budget deficit has fluctuated significantly over the past 26 years, with the latest figure standing at 1.47 in 2025, ranking 19th globally. The country experienced its all-time peak deficit of 6.18 in 2018, while the trough was recorded at -16.68 in 2001. In comparison to its peers, Palau's deficit is slightly higher than that of Aruba, which stands at 1.40, and lower than the Marshall Islands' 1.67. The earliest recorded deficit in 2000 was -13.43, indicating a significant improvement in the country's fiscal management over the years. As Palau continues to navigate its economic challenges, a sustained focus on prudent fiscal policies would be essential to maintaining a stable deficit trajectory, and any changes in global economic conditions or domestic policy shifts could potentially alter the course of this trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 0.98% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 1.80% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 1.71% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 1.61% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 1.47% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 1.47% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.47% | −0.21% | #19 |
| 2024 | 1.67% | +0.94% | #165 |
| 2023 | 0.73% | +4.72% | #157 |
| 2022 | -3.99% | +5.95% | #72 |
| 2021 | -9.94% | +3.08% | #15 |
| 2020 | -13.02% | −12.66% | #16 |
| 2019 | -0.36% | −6.55% | #125 |
| 2018 | 6.19% | +1.43% | #183 |
| 2017 | 4.76% | +1.24% | #183 |
| 2016 | 3.52% | −1.56% | #179 |
| 2015 | 5.08% | +1.49% | #182 |
| 2014 | 3.59% | +3.05% | #179 |
| 2013 | 0.55% | −0.44% | #158 |
| 2012 | 0.98% | −0.30% | #157 |
| 2011 | 1.29% | +2.56% | #158 |
Analysis
Palau's budget deficit was 1.47% in 2025, a decline of −0.21% from 2024. IMF projects 1.47% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Palau's budget deficit was 1.47% in 2025. Ranked 19th globally. This represents a 12.3% decrease from the previous year.
Palau's budget deficit peaked at 6.19% in 2018.
The lowest budget deficit in Palau was -16.68% in 2001.
Palau ranks 19th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Palau's budget deficit is projected to reach 1.47% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Palau in 2025 was 1.47%. This ranks 19th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_palau_budget-deficit,
title = {Palau Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/palau/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}