Jamaica Government net lending/borrowing in Jamaica

International Monetary Fund · Annual · Importance

IMF forecast (WEO): 2026: -4.9% 2027: -3.1% 2028: -2.1% 2029: -1.7% 2030: -1.6% 2031: -1.5%
-3.4 (1999) ANUAL · % of GDP · Annual · CSV
Period% of GDP
Jan 1999 -3.4
Jan 1998 -5.7
Jan 1997 -6.4
Jan 1996 -5.2
Jan 1995 1.5
Jan 1994 2.4
Jan 1993 2.4
Jan 1992 2.8
Jan 1991 3.1
Jan 1990 2.1

About this indicator

Source
International Monetary Fund
Frequency
Annual
Release
Published annually (with quarterly advance estimates in some economies), subject to revision with the national accounts.
What it is
Jamaica's government budget balance is the shortfall recorded when public spending exceeds revenue over the fiscal year; when revenue exceeds spending there is a surplus. Published by the Ministry of Finance, it is usually expressed as a percentage of GDP.
How it's calculated
It is the difference between central government revenue and spending over the period, scaled against GDP to obtain the ratio. The figures are annual, with the primary balance closely tracked given its role in bringing down debt.
Market implications
The deficit drives Jamaica's borrowing needs and the path of its high public debt. The country is notable for its fiscal consolidation and primary-surplus targets, closely watched by the IMF, bond investors and the rating agencies.
Limitations
It is a low-frequency figure subject to revision. It is worth distinguishing the headline balance from the primary balance, which strips out debt interest and which serves as Jamaica's central fiscal anchor.