Qatar Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Qatar's budget deficit was -0.32% in 2025, ranked 36th globally. This represents a 146.5% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Qatar's budget deficit stood at -0.32% in 2025, a decline of +1.02% from 2024. The IMF projects -0.32% by 2025. Qatar ranked 36th globally.
Qatar's budget deficit has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with the all-time peak of 19.27% occurring in 2013. However, the country has managed to reduce its deficit in recent years, with the latest value standing at -0.32% in 2025, ranking 36th globally. This improvement is notable when compared to Somalia, which has a deficit of -0.24% in 2025. Qatar's budget deficit has historically been influenced by fluctuations in global energy prices, with the state's reliance on hydrocarbon exports contributing to the large deficit in 2013. In contrast, the country experienced a significant surplus in 1994, with a deficit of -11.80%, a stark contrast to the current situation. Should global energy prices remain stable or increase, Qatar's budget deficit is likely to continue trending downwards, potentially allowing the country to allocate more resources towards non-hydrocarbon sectors and diversify its economy.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 2.81% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 2.60% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 2.94% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.51% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 1.31% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -0.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.32% | −1.02% | #36 |
| 2024 | 0.70% | −4.87% | #157 |
| 2023 | 5.56% | −4.83% | #177 |
| 2022 | 10.39% | +10.15% | #184 |
| 2021 | 0.24% | +2.38% | #169 |
| 2020 | -2.13% | −3.13% | #164 |
| 2019 | 1.00% | −1.26% | #155 |
| 2018 | 2.26% | +9.08% | #164 |
| 2017 | -6.82% | +2.38% | #20 |
| 2016 | -9.20% | −27.65% | #20 |
| 2015 | 18.45% | +5.10% | #191 |
| 2014 | 13.35% | −5.92% | #188 |
| 2013 | 19.27% | +10.72% | #188 |
| 2012 | 8.55% | +3.32% | #181 |
| 2011 | 5.24% | +0.64% | #178 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Qatar 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
Qatar's budget deficit was -0.32% in 2025. Ranked 36th globally. This represents a 146.5% decrease from the previous year.
Qatar's budget deficit peaked at 19.27% in 2013.
The lowest budget deficit in Qatar was -11.80% in 1994.
Qatar ranks 36th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Qatar's budget deficit is projected to reach -0.32% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Qatar in 2025 was -0.32%. This ranks 36th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_qatar_budget-deficit,
title = {Qatar Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/qatar/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}