Samoa: public finances

How much debt does Samoa have?

Samoa's total government debt was SAT $690.8 million at the end of the 2025/26 financial year, down 9.2% from $760.4 million a year earlier, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' government finance statistics for the June 2026 quarter.

Most of the debt is external. Debt to China fell from $233.9 million to $204.3 million, and to the World Bank from $259.0 million to $248.5 million. Domestic debt was $49.8 million. The bureau says external repayments drove most of the fall.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: government finance statistics, June 2026 quarter (PDF)

Does the Samoa government have a surplus?

Samoa's government had a net operating surplus of SAT $222.9 million in 2025/26, with revenue of $1,056.4 million and operating expenses of $833.5 million, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' government finance statistics for the June 2026 quarter.

The surplus was smaller than in 2024/25, as grants fell sharply while spending on staff, subsidies and social benefits rose. The operating balance leaves out investment in assets. The report says net lending fell to $149.6 million from $169.4 million.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: government finance statistics, June 2026 quarter (PDF)

How much tax does the Samoa government collect?

Samoa's government collected SAT $830.9 million in taxes in 2025/26, 0.7% less than the year before and 78.7% of total revenue of $1,056.4 million, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' government finance statistics for the June 2026 quarter. Taxes on goods and services, including VAGST and excise, brought in $507.5 million.

Total revenue fell 5.2%, mainly because grants dropped 41.8% to $108.6 million. Other revenue, including $40.5 million of dividends, rose to $116.9 million. The financial year runs from July to June.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: Government Finance Statistics, June 2026 quarter (PDF)

What does the Samoa government spend money on?

Samoa's government spent SAT $911.2 million in 2025/26 when classified by function, 3.5% less than the year before, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' government finance statistics for the June 2026 quarter. General public services took $187.2 million, economic affairs $168.0 million, health $161.5 million, social protection $130.3 million and education $126.5 million.

Social protection rose 58.9%, while education fell 11.1% and general public services 27.4%. Capital spending fell 34.2% to $73.3 million. Staff costs, at $326.5 million, were the largest type of operating expense.

Official sources: Samoa Bureau of Statistics: Government Finance Statistics, June 2026 quarter (PDF)

What is Samoa's debt to GDP ratio?

In 2025, general government gross debt in Samoa was 21.2% of GDP, according to the IMF. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 45.0% of GDP, and Samoa placed 22nd highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 169th of 185.

What is Samoa's budget deficit?

4.7% of GDP: that is general government net lending or borrowing in Samoa for 2025, according to the IMF. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 9.3% of GDP; its low point was 2012, at -7.4% of GDP. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was -1.7% of GDP, and Samoa placed 4th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 7th of 188.

How much does Samoa's government take in?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 31.1% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 36.1% of GDP; its low point was 2010, at 23.9% of GDP. East Asia & Pacific median: 33.6% of GDP; Samoa is 16th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 71st of 187.

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

In 2025, general government spending in Samoa was 26.4% of GDP, according to the IMF. The peak was 35.3% of GDP in 2014 and the low 26.3% of GDP in 2024. It is 19th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 32.9% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 113th of 186.

How much tax does Samoa collect?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2023, is 24.0% of GDP. Since 2012 it has ranged from 20.5% of GDP (2012) to 24.6% of GDP (2021). East Asia & Pacific median: 15.9% of GDP; Samoa is 3rd highest of 17. Of 110 countries with 2023 data, 16th highest.