Tonga Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Tonga's debt service was 23.89% in 2025, ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 4.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2025.
Overview
Tonga's debt service stood at 23.89% in 2025, a rise of +1.07% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 23.89% by 2025. Tonga ranked 22nd globally.
Tonga's debt service as a percentage of its exports has fluctuated significantly over the past three and a half decades. The latest available data from the World Bank indicates that the country's debt service reached a peak of 23.89% in 2025, a level surpassed by only a few countries, including Côte d'Ivoire at 24.16%. Conversely, Tonga's debt service had declined to a trough of 3.25% in 1989, marking a substantial improvement in the country's financial management. Since then, the debt service has fluctuated, but the recent peak in 2025 underscores the country's ongoing challenge in managing its external debt. The trajectory of Tonga's debt service ratio remains concerning, particularly in light of its relatively high ranking globally. A significant improvement in the country's economic growth and diversification would be necessary to alleviate the pressure from its debt service, potentially shifting the trajectory of this indicator in the years to come.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 32.65% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 28.27% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 23.89% | - | - |
| 2025 | 23.89% | +1.07% | #22 |
| 2024 | 22.82% | +11.77% | #82 |
| 2023 | 11.05% | +0.06% | #46 |
| 2022 | 10.98% | +6.11% | #51 |
| 2021 | 4.88% | +0.88% | #15 |
| 2020 | 4.00% | +0.45% | #12 |
| 2019 | 3.55% | −3.11% | #15 |
| 2018 | 6.66% | +2.62% | #30 |
| 2017 | 4.05% | −1.10% | #19 |
| 2016 | 5.14% | −2.26% | #28 |
| 2015 | 7.40% | +0.67% | #43 |
| 2014 | 6.73% | +1.06% | #46 |
| 2013 | 5.67% | −0.48% | #46 |
| 2012 | 6.15% | −0.40% | #48 |
| 2011 | 6.55% | −2.77% | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tonga matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonga's debt service was 23.89% in 2025. Ranked 22nd globally. This represents a 4.7% increase from the previous year.
Tonga's debt service peaked at 23.89% in 2025.
The lowest debt service in Tonga was 3.25% in 1989.
Tonga ranks 22nd globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tonga's debt service is projected to reach 23.89% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Tonga in 2025 was 23.89%. This ranks 22nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tonga_debt-service,
title = {Tonga Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tonga/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}