Papua New Guinea Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Papua New Guinea's budget deficit was -2.61% in 2025, ranked 84th globally. This represents a 19.4% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1983–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's budget deficit stood at -2.61% in 2025, a rise of +0.63% from 2024. The IMF projects -2.61% by 2025. Papua New Guinea ranked 84th globally.
Papua New Guinea's budget deficit has fluctuated significantly over the past 43 years, with the latest figure standing at -2.61 in 2025, ranking 84th globally. This is a notable improvement from the all-time trough of -8.85 in 2020, which occurred during a period of significant economic disruption. In contrast, the country achieved a budget surplus of 6.90 in 2007, highlighting its capacity for fiscal prudence. Papua New Guinea's current budget deficit is closely aligned with that of peer countries such as Guatemala, which also has a deficit of -2.61, and Thailand, with a deficit of -2.60. As the country continues to navigate its economic challenges, a sustained improvement in revenue collection and expenditure management would be necessary to alter the trajectory of its budget deficit trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 0.40% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 0.31% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 0.09% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 0.03% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -1.16% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -2.61% | - | - |
| 2025 | -2.61% | +0.63% | #84 |
| 2024 | -3.23% | +1.11% | #82 |
| 2023 | -4.34% | +0.91% | #59 |
| 2022 | -5.25% | +1.59% | #52 |
| 2021 | -6.84% | +2.01% | #43 |
| 2020 | -8.85% | −3.88% | #50 |
| 2019 | -4.98% | −2.40% | #32 |
| 2018 | -2.58% | −0.11% | #70 |
| 2017 | -2.48% | +2.27% | #93 |
| 2016 | -4.75% | −0.20% | #50 |
| 2015 | -4.55% | +1.72% | #57 |
| 2014 | -6.27% | +0.61% | #23 |
| 2013 | -6.87% | −5.68% | #21 |
| 2012 | -1.19% | −3.41% | #122 |
| 2011 | 2.22% | −0.85% | #168 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Papua New Guinea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2022. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Papua New Guinea's budget deficit was -2.61% in 2025. Ranked 84th globally. This represents a 19.4% increase from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's budget deficit peaked at 6.90% in 2007.
The lowest budget deficit in Papua New Guinea was -8.85% in 2020.
Papua New Guinea ranks 84th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Papua New Guinea's budget deficit is projected to reach -2.61% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was -2.61%. This ranks 84th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_budget-deficit,
title = {Papua New Guinea Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}