Puerto Rico (US) Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Puerto Rico (US)'s budget deficit was -0.42% in 2025, ranked 38th globally. This represents a 22.3% increase from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 2014–2025.
Overview
Puerto Rico (US)'s budget deficit stood at -0.42% in 2025, a rise of +0.12% from 2024. The IMF projects -0.42% by 2025. Puerto Rico (US) ranked 38th globally.
Puerto Rico's budget deficit has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past decade, with the all-time peak of 1.90% of GDP in 2019 preceding a downward trend. The deficit initially worsened to -3.07% in 2014 before gradually decreasing to -0.42% in 2025, ranking 38th globally. This improvement is comparable to that of Barbados, which has also reduced its deficit to -0.34% over the same period. Puerto Rico's deficit remains higher than that of more affluent nations, such as Qatar, which has maintained a surplus. The downward trajectory in Puerto Rico's deficit is likely a result of fiscal adjustments and austerity measures implemented in response to the island's economic challenges. However, any significant change in the trajectory of the deficit could be influenced by shifts in major economic indicators, such as GDP growth or commodity prices, which may impact the island's revenue streams and spending needs.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -0.15% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -0.17% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -0.55% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -0.35% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -0.39% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -0.42% | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.42% | +0.12% | #38 |
| 2024 | -0.54% | −0.87% | #147 |
| 2023 | 0.33% | −1.46% | #156 |
| 2022 | 1.79% | +2.05% | #169 |
| 2021 | -0.26% | +0.29% | #162 |
| 2020 | -0.55% | −2.45% | #173 |
| 2019 | 1.90% | +1.87% | #166 |
| 2018 | 0.03% | +1.13% | #130 |
| 2017 | -1.11% | +0.73% | #126 |
| 2016 | -1.84% | +0.27% | #113 |
| 2015 | -2.12% | +0.96% | #114 |
| 2014 | -3.07% | – | #81 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Puerto Rico (US) matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 1981. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Puerto Rico (US)'s budget deficit was -0.42% in 2025. Ranked 38th globally. This represents a 22.3% increase from the previous year.
Puerto Rico (US)'s budget deficit peaked at 1.90% in 2019.
The lowest budget deficit in Puerto Rico (US) was -3.07% in 2014.
Puerto Rico (US) ranks 38th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Puerto Rico (US)'s budget deficit is projected to reach -0.42% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Puerto Rico (US) in 2025 was -0.42%. This ranks 38th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_puerto-rico-us_budget-deficit,
title = {Puerto Rico (US) Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/puerto-rico-us/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}