Debt levels are likely to start rising again, IMF warns

China playing major role in debt growth, as low-income countries face worse risks, analysts say

International Monetary Fund Headquarters 2, Washington, DC
Photo: John Harrington

Global debt levels are returning to their pre-pandemic trend, threatening debt sustainability in some countries, the International Monetary Fund says.

New data published as part of the IMF’s global debt database shows total debt stood at 238% of GDP in 2022. The figure is nine percentage points higher than in 2019, though it has come down sharply from its 2020 peak of 258%.

In analysis published alongside the figures, IMF officials argue the last two years of falling debt levels are unlikely

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