Saudi Arabia Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Saudi Arabia's budget deficit was -3.65% in 2025, ranked 119th globally. This represents a 46.7% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Saudi Arabia's budget deficit stood at -3.65% in 2025, a decline of +1.16% from 2024. The IMF projects -3.65% by 2025. Saudi Arabia ranked 119th globally.
Saudi Arabia's budget deficit has fluctuated significantly over the past three and a half decades, with the latest estimate from the International Monetary Fund's World Economic Outlook standing at -3.65% in 2025, ranking 119th globally. The country's fiscal trajectory has been marked by a historical peak of 29.80% in 2008, during a period of declining oil prices, and a trough of -14.94% in 2015, which coincided with an upturn in the global energy market. In comparison, Malaysia, a peer country, has maintained a relatively stable budget deficit, currently at -3.60%. The persistent budget deficit in Saudi Arabia is a major concern, and the government's efforts to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil exports will be crucial in reversing this trend. A sustained increase in non-oil revenue and successful implementation of economic reforms could potentially alter the trajectory of Saudi Arabia's budget deficit and set it on a path toward fiscal sustainability.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | -3.37% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | -3.42% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | -3.68% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | -3.82% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | -3.66% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | -3.65% | - | - |
| 2025 | -3.65% | −1.16% | #119 |
| 2024 | -2.49% | −0.72% | #98 |
| 2023 | -1.77% | −4.01% | #114 |
| 2022 | 2.24% | +4.23% | #170 |
| 2021 | -1.99% | +8.23% | #135 |
| 2020 | -10.22% | −6.26% | #31 |
| 2019 | -3.97% | +1.24% | #47 |
| 2018 | -5.21% | +3.36% | #28 |
| 2017 | -8.57% | +4.62% | #10 |
| 2016 | -13.20% | +1.75% | #10 |
| 2015 | -14.94% | −11.54% | #8 |
| 2014 | -3.40% | −8.87% | #72 |
| 2013 | 5.47% | −6.21% | #179 |
| 2012 | 11.68% | +0.29% | #184 |
| 2011 | 11.39% | +7.00% | #185 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Saudi Arabia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia's budget deficit was -3.65% in 2025. Ranked 119th globally. This represents a 46.7% decrease from the previous year.
Saudi Arabia's budget deficit peaked at 29.80% in 2008.
The lowest budget deficit in Saudi Arabia was -14.94% in 2015.
Saudi Arabia ranks 119th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Saudi Arabia's budget deficit is projected to reach -3.65% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Saudi Arabia in 2025 was -3.65%. This ranks 119th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_saudi-arabia_budget-deficit,
title = {Saudi Arabia Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/saudi-arabia/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}