Viet Nam External Debt
Total external debt stocks DT.DOD.DECT.CD
Viet Nam's external debt was $140.8B in 2025, ranked 16th globally. This represents a 5.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2025.
Overview
Viet Nam's external debt stood at $140.8B in 2025, a rise of +$7.9B from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $140.8B by 2025. Viet Nam ranked 16th globally.
Vietnam’s external debt has expanded dramatically over the 45‑year span from a modest US$25,579,000.00 in 1981 to US$140,795,834,156.23 in 2025, ranking it 16th globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the early 2000s, reaching an all‑time peak of US$146,621,789,309.10 in 2022 before a modest decline the following year. This level remains slightly above that of the Philippines, whose external debt stood at US$143,940,308,583.20, and above Pakistan’s US$134,550,162,597.59, reflecting Vietnam’s intensive borrowing to finance infrastructure, energy, and export‑oriented projects. While the debt‑to‑GDP ratio has stayed within manageable bounds, the absolute magnitude underscores vulnerability to external shocks, particularly shifts in global interest rates or commodity prices. Continued fiscal consolidation, diversification of financing sources, and stronger export performance will be crucial to temper the upward trend and sustain debt sustainability in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $142.6B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $141.7B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $140.8B | - | - |
| 2025 | $140.8B | +$7.9B | #16 |
| 2024 | $132.9B | −$8.9B | #103 |
| 2023 | $141.8B | −$4.8B | #105 |
| 2022 | $146.6B | +$6.8B | #107 |
| 2021 | $139.9B | +$10.4B | #107 |
| 2020 | $129.5B | +$7.0B | #106 |
| 2019 | $122.5B | +$9.9B | #107 |
| 2018 | $112.6B | +$2.7B | #107 |
| 2017 | $109.9B | +$19.4B | #107 |
| 2016 | $90.5B | +$8.7B | #107 |
| 2015 | $81.8B | +$7.1B | #107 |
| 2014 | $74.7B | +$8.5B | #104 |
| 2013 | $66.2B | +$4.0B | #104 |
| 2012 | $62.3B | +$7.9B | #103 |
| 2011 | $54.3B | +$9.3B | #102 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Viet Nam matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2020. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Viet Nam's external debt was $140.8B in 2025. Ranked 16th globally. This represents a 5.9% increase from the previous year.
Viet Nam's external debt peaked at $146.6B in 2022.
The lowest external debt in Viet Nam was $25.6M in 1981.
Viet Nam ranks 16th globally in external debt as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Viet Nam's external debt is projected to reach $140.8B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Viet Nam's external debt was approximately 140.8 billion ($140.8B) in 2025.
The external debt of Viet Nam in 2025 was $140.8B. This ranks 16th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_viet-nam_external-debt,
title = {Viet Nam External Debt},
url = {https://historysaid.com/viet-nam/external-debt/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}