Question 1

What is Barbados' debt to GDP ratio?

Accepted Answer

Barbados' gross public sector debt was $15.1 billion at the end of June 2026, equal to 93.7% of GDP, down from 94.8% at the end of the 2025/26 financial year, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . The debt was $250.8 million below the ceiling set under the Government's BERT 2026 programme. The ratio falls when the economy grows faster than debt, helped by primary surpluses. Figures are in Barbados dollars and cover the whole public sector.

Question 2

Does Barbados have a budget surplus?

Accepted Answer

The Government of Barbados had an overall fiscal surplus of $347.4 million and a primary surplus of $537.5 million at the end of June 2026, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . The primary surplus was $353.5 million above the floor set under the BERT 2026 programme. The primary balance leaves out interest payments. Both surpluses were smaller than a year earlier, as spending rose. The IMF approved a 36-month precautionary Stand-By Arrangement of about US$257 million for Barbados on 22 June 2026.

Question 3

How much tax does the Barbados government collect?

Accepted Answer

The Government of Barbados collected $1.4 billion in total revenue in April to June 2026, the first quarter of financial year 2026/27, up $78.7 million on a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . Corporate income tax rose $156.8 million to $641.8 million, and VAT brought in $289.2 million. Most of the corporate tax rise came from a first, partial payment of the new top-up tax on large multinationals. Property tax fell by $79.2 million to $22.1 million because land tax bills were issued later. The Bank says this year's corporate receipts are unusual and should not be read as a new baseline. Figures are in Barbados dollars.

Question 4

How much does the Barbados government spend?

Accepted Answer

Barbados government spending rose 16.9% to about $1.04 billion in April to June 2026, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . Current spending rose $121.1 million to $904.4 million, and capital spending and net lending rose $29.3 million to $136.7 million. Goods and services made up the largest increase, at $62.9 million. Transfers to public bodies, including the Barbados Water Authority, rose $36.4 million. Interest payments rose $16.5 million, as coupon payments began on the 2035 Eurobond. Extra capital spending went mainly to water projects and national security equipment. Figures are in Barbados dollars.

Question 5

What is the corporate tax rate in Barbados?

Accepted Answer

Barbados has a standard corporate tax rate of 9%, which replaced the sliding scale from income year 2024, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . Multinational groups with annual revenue of at least EUR 750 million also pay a domestic top-up tax that brings their effective rate to 15%. The top-up follows the global minimum tax rules agreed through the OECD and G20. The first payments fell due in June 2026. The Central Bank estimates that corporate tax receipts will rise by at least $456.9 million in financial year 2026/27, mostly from top-up tax for more than one income year. The Barbados Revenue Authority publishes guidance on the top-up tax.

Question 6

How much does Barbados spend on debt payments?

Accepted Answer

Barbados' total debt service fell by $741 million to $350.4 million in April to June 2026, according to the Central Bank of Barbados' Review of Barbados' Economy: January to June 2026 . Debt service equalled 25.2% of revenue, down from 83.3% a year earlier. The fall is mostly because the government did not repeat the early repayments of commercial and IMF debt it made in 2025. Leaving those out, the ratio fell from 32% to 25.2%. Interest alone took 13.7% of revenue, up from 13.3%. The government's debt anchor is 60% of GDP by financial year 2035/36. Figures are in Barbados dollars.

Question 7

What is Barbados' national debt?

Accepted Answer

According to the IMF, general government gross debt in Barbados was 96.2% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 62.7% of GDP (2005) to 134.6% of GDP (2017). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 65.6% of GDP, and Barbados placed 4th highest of 31. World rank, highest first: 28th of 185.

Question 8

What is Barbados' budget deficit?

Accepted Answer

According to the IMF, general government net lending or borrowing in Barbados was -0.2% of GDP in 2025, a deficit. The peak was 2.9% of GDP in 2019 and the low -8.5% of GDP in 2013. It is 3rd highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is -2.8% of GDP. Worldwide: 38th of 188.

Question 9

How much does Barbados' government take in?

Accepted Answer

26.9% of GDP : that is general government revenue in Barbados for 2025, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 20.6% of GDP (2013) to 27.2% of GDP (2024). It is 14th highest of 32 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 24.9% of GDP. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 95th highest.

Question 10

How big is Barbados' government spending as a share of GDP?

Accepted Answer

The IMF puts general government spending in Barbados at 27.1% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 30.6% of GDP in 2020 and the low 22.2% of GDP in 2019. Latin America & Caribbean median: 26.7% of GDP; Barbados is 16th highest of 32. Worldwide: 112th of 186.

Question 11

What is tax revenue in Barbados?

Accepted Answer

23.4% of GDP : that is central government tax revenue in Barbados for 2016, according to the IMF. The peak was 26.7% of GDP in 2005 and the low 19.1% of GDP in 2013. It is 3rd highest of 23 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 14.5% of GDP. Of 143 countries with 2016 data, 21st highest.

Barbados: public finances