Developing Countries' External Debt Reaches Record $9.4 Trillion in 2025
Summary
Developing countries' external debt has climbed to a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, driven mainly by private financing. The World Bank says the fastest increase since the pandemic has hit the most vulnerable developing countries hardest.
Key Points
- Developing countries' external debt reached a record $9.4 trillion in 2025, according to the World Bank.
- The increase was driven mainly by private financing, including loans from private lenders and bonds issued by public enterprises.
- Debt growth has been strongest in the developing countries classified by the World Bank as most vulnerable.
