Papua New Guinea Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Papua New Guinea's debt service was 46.41% in 2025, ranked 4th globally. This represents a 7.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1976–2025.
Overview
Papua New Guinea's debt service stood at 46.41% in 2025, a rise of +3.07% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 46.41% by 2025. Papua New Guinea ranked 4th globally.
Papua New Guinea's debt service ratio has fluctuated significantly over the past 50 years. The country's debt service as a percentage of its export of goods and services peaked in 2025 at 46.41%, a level that surpasses that of several comparable economies, including Mozambique at 52.62% and Kazakhstan at 44.06%. Conversely, Papua New Guinea's debt service ratio hit a trough in 2012 at 7.05%, a stark contrast to its current levels. The sharp increase in debt service from 2012 to 2025 may be attributed to various factors, including the country's growing reliance on foreign financing. As of 2025, Papua New Guinea ranks fourth globally in terms of debt service ratio. The sustained high levels of debt service may pose significant challenges for the country's economic stability, particularly in the context of fluctuating global commodity prices. A potential shift in the country's economic trajectory could be driven by a reduction in foreign borrowing or an increase in domestic revenue generation.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 53.20% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 49.81% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 46.41% | - | - |
| 2025 | 46.41% | +3.07% | #4 |
| 2024 | 43.34% | +1.10% | #103 |
| 2023 | 42.24% | +12.40% | #107 |
| 2022 | 29.83% | −6.62% | #104 |
| 2021 | 36.45% | +7.20% | #106 |
| 2020 | 29.25% | +8.44% | #93 |
| 2019 | 20.81% | −6.53% | #87 |
| 2018 | 27.34% | −0.95% | #99 |
| 2017 | 28.28% | −16.56% | #99 |
| 2016 | 44.84% | +32.13% | #113 |
| 2015 | 12.72% | −0.12% | #69 |
| 2014 | 12.84% | −6.85% | #74 |
| 2013 | 19.69% | +12.64% | #94 |
| 2012 | 7.05% | −8.99% | #54 |
| 2011 | 16.04% | +2.74% | #92 |
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 debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Papua New Guinea's debt service was 46.41% in 2025. Ranked 4th globally. This represents a 7.1% increase from the previous year.
Papua New Guinea's debt service peaked at 46.41% in 2025.
The lowest debt service in Papua New Guinea was 7.05% in 2012.
Papua New Guinea ranks 4th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Papua New Guinea's debt service is projected to reach 46.41% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Papua New Guinea in 2025 was 46.41%. This ranks 4th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_papua-new-guinea_debt-service,
title = {Papua New Guinea Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/papua-new-guinea/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}