Tunisia External Debt
Total external debt stocks DT.DOD.DECT.CD
Tunisia's external debt was $40.7B in 2025, ranked 35th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Tunisia's external debt stood at $40.7B in 2025, a rise of +$226.8M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $40.7B by 2025. Tunisia ranked 35th globally.
Tunisia’s external debt has expanded dramatically over the 56‑year series, rising from a trough of 603,200,003.20 in 1970 to an all‑time peak of 43,022,033,493.30 in 2021, before easing slightly to 40,686,672,330.32 in 2025, which places the country at rank 35 globally. The near‑steady upward trajectory reflects successive fiscal deficits, external financing for infrastructure, and the impact of regional shocks that heightened borrowing needs. Compared with peers, Tunisia’s debt level is marginally lower than Kenya’s 44,737,884,298.91 and close to Tanzania’s 39,264,994,087.00, indicating a comparable exposure among North African and East African economies. The modest post‑peak decline suggests that recent policy measures, such as debt restructuring and tighter fiscal consolidation, are beginning to curb the accumulation of external obligations. Continued reforms and improved export performance will be crucial to reverse the upward trend and stabilize the debt burden.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $40.0B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $40.3B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $40.7B | - | - |
| 2025 | $40.7B | +$226.8M | #35 |
| 2024 | $40.5B | −$1.9B | #85 |
| 2023 | $42.4B | +$1.4B | #87 |
| 2022 | $41.0B | −$2.0B | #87 |
| 2021 | $43.0B | +$1.0B | #90 |
| 2020 | $42.0B | +$1.8B | #93 |
| 2019 | $40.2B | +$5.0B | #92 |
| 2018 | $35.2B | +$1.5B | #92 |
| 2017 | $33.7B | +$4.2B | #91 |
| 2016 | $29.5B | +$1.3B | #91 |
| 2015 | $28.2B | +$601.1M | #90 |
| 2014 | $27.6B | +$1.3B | #89 |
| 2013 | $26.3B | +$845.7M | #89 |
| 2012 | $25.4B | +$2.5B | #91 |
| 2011 | $22.9B | +$207.1M | #90 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tunisia matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2023. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw external debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tunisia's external debt was $40.7B in 2025. Ranked 35th globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
Tunisia's external debt peaked at $43.0B in 2021.
The lowest external debt in Tunisia was $603.2M in 1970.
Tunisia ranks 35th globally in external debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tunisia's external debt is projected to reach $40.7B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Tunisia's external debt was approximately 40.69 billion ($40.7B) in 2025.
The external debt of Tunisia in 2025 was $40.7B. This ranks 35th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tunisia_external-debt,
title = {Tunisia External Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tunisia/external-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}