IMF warns global public debt levels may reach 100% in near future

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that global public debt is on track to climb to record levels in the coming years, underscoring growing concerns over long-term fiscal sustainability across major economies.

In its latest Financial Stability Report, the fund records that worldwide government debt has already reached almost 94% of global GDP in 2025 and, if current trends persist, could rise to 100% by 2029.

The IMF noted that debt levels of this magnitude have only been seen once in modern history — in the aftermath of World War II.

While the report suggests the number of countries with debt exceeding 100% of GDP may decline, it cautions that those economies will account for an increasingly large share of global output. 

Among the major economies already above or nearing that threshold are the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, China, the United States, France and Japan.

By Nazrin Sadigova