China—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #176 of 192Updated July 2026
Latest Value
-8.4%
2027
YoY Change
+1.2%
2026 → 2027
Global Rank
#176
of 192 countries
Maximum
0.1%
2007
Minimum
-9.6%
2020
Last
-8.4%
Previous
-8.5%
Highest
0.1%
Lowest
-9.6%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
China's fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -8.5% in 2026, ranking #176 out of 192 countries. This represents a +1.2% change from 2026. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 0.1% (2007) and the lowest was -9.6% (2020). The IMF WEO projects -8.4% by 2027. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | -8.4% | +1.2% |
| 2026 | -8.5% | +1.2% |
| 2025 | -8.6% | -17.8% |
| 2024 | -7.3% | -9.0% |
| 2023 | -6.7% | +8.2% |
| 2022 | -7.3% | -23.7% |
| 2021 | -5.9% | +38.5% |
| 2020 | -9.6% | -60.0% |
| 2019 | -6.0% | -42.9% |
| 2018 | -4.2% | -27.3% |
| 2017 | -3.3% | +0.0% |
| 2016 | -3.3% | -32.0% |
| 2015 | -2.5% | -257.1% |
| 2014 | -0.7% | +12.5% |
| 2013 | -0.8% | -166.7% |
| 2012 | -0.3% | -200.0% |
| 2011 | -0.1% | +75.0% |
| 2010 | -0.4% | +76.5% |
| 2009 | -1.7% | |
| 2008 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| 2007 | 0.1% | +109.1% |
| 2006 | -1.1% | +21.4% |
| 2005 | -1.4% | +6.7% |
| 2004 | -1.5% | +37.5% |
| 2003 | -2.4% | +14.3% |
| 2002 | -2.8% | -7.7% |
| 2001 | -2.6% | +7.1% |
| 2000 | -2.8% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -8.5% | +1.2% |
| 2027Forecast | -8.4% | +1.2% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Nauru | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Macao SAR, China | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 8 | Singapore | 3.3% | 2026 |
| 9 | Lebanon | 3.3% | 2025 |
| 10 | Liechtenstein | 3.0% | 2026 |
About This Indicator
Definition
General government net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP. A positive value indicates a fiscal surplus; negative indicates a deficit.
Methodology
Revenue minus expenditure minus net acquisition of nonfinancial assets, as a percentage of GDP. A comprehensive measure of the fiscal balance.
Unit
Percent of GDP