Antigua and Barbuda: public finances

What is Antigua and Barbuda's debt to GDP ratio?

Antigua and Barbuda's public sector debt was EC$4,116.5 million at the end of 2025, equal to 59.7% of GDP, down from 67.5% a year earlier and 96.8% in 2020, according to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's Economic and Financial Review (2025 update) for the country. The bank says the country met the regional debt target of 60% of GDP in 2025.

The amount of debt rose in 2025, so the lower ratio reflects growth in GDP as well as fiscal surpluses. The 60% target is the long-term anchor of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, set for 2035. The bank notes that clearing outstanding arrears through the government's Liabilities Management Operation is important for debt sustainability.

Official sources: ECCB: Antigua and Barbuda Economic and Financial Review, 2025 update (PDF)

Does Antigua and Barbuda have a budget surplus?

Antigua and Barbuda's central government ran an overall surplus of EC$253.5 million in 2025, equal to 4.2% of GDP, and a primary surplus of 6.1% of GDP, according to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's Economic and Financial Review (2025 update) for the country. It was the second year of surplus, after 2.2% of GDP in 2024.

Tax revenue rose to 18.4% of GDP, helped by corporate tax collections, including arrears, and higher Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax receipts after the rate was raised in 2024. Citizenship by investment brought in 2.6% of GDP. Current spending fell to 17.9% of GDP and interest payments to 1.9%. The primary balance leaves out interest payments.

Official sources: ECCB: Antigua and Barbuda Economic and Financial Review, 2025 update (PDF)

What is Antigua and Barbuda's national debt?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 70.2% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 100.5% of GDP; its low point was 2008, at 66.8% of GDP. Latin America & Caribbean median: 65.6% of GDP; Antigua and Barbuda is 12th highest of 31. Worldwide: 55th of 185.

Does Antigua and Barbuda's government borrow more than it raises?

In 2025, general government net lending or borrowing in Antigua and Barbuda was 3.2% of GDP, according to the IMF. No year since 2005 has been higher. Latin America & Caribbean median: -2.8% of GDP; Antigua and Barbuda is 2nd highest of 32. World rank, highest first: 16th of 188.

How much does Antigua and Barbuda's government take in?

According to the IMF, general government revenue in Antigua and Barbuda was 22.4% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 16.3% of GDP (2009) to 23.6% of GDP (2016). It is 21st highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 24.9% of GDP. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 117th highest.

How big is Antigua and Barbuda's government spending as a share of GDP?

In 2025, general government spending in Antigua and Barbuda was 19.2% of GDP, according to the IMF. The peak was 32.1% of GDP in 2009 and the low 18.4% of GDP in 2023. It is 29th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 26.7% of GDP. Worldwide: 156th of 186.