Government net lending/borrowing in Sweden

International Monetary Fund · Annual · Importance

IMF forecast (WEO): 2026: -2.4% 2027: -1.9% 2028: -1.2% 2029: -0.5% 2030: -0.5% 2031: -0.5%

0.6 (1999) ANUAL · % of GDP · Annual · CSV

Period	% of GDP
Jan 1999	0.6
Jan 1998	0.8
Jan 1997	-1.6
Jan 1996	-3.1
Jan 1995	-7.0
Jan 1994	-8.8
Jan 1993	-10.9
Jan 1992	-8.5
Jan 1991	0.3
Jan 1990	3.7

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

Sweden's government budget balance is the balance of the general government accounts; the country historically posts balanced or surplus positions thanks to its fiscal framework. Compiled under EU rules, it is usually expressed as a percentage of GDP.

How it's calculated

It is measured as general government net lending or borrowing under the European System of Accounts (ESA 2010), compiled by Statistics Sweden and reported by Eurostat. The result is scaled against GDP.

Market implications

Sweden's fiscal balance reflects the strength of its public finances and of its budgetary rules framework. Although Sweden is outside the euro area, it is a key gauge for fiscal discipline, bond investors, the krona and the rating agencies, which award it the top rating.

Limitations

It is a low-frequency figure subject to revision in the Eurostat notifications. It is worth distinguishing the headline balance from the primary balance, which excludes debt interest, and from the cyclical component tied to the state of the economy.