Japan—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #68 of 192Updated August 2026
Latest Value
-4.0%
2031
YoY Change
-8.1%
2030 → 2031
Global Rank
#68
of 192 countries
Maximum
-1.1%
2025
Minimum
-9.6%
2009
Last
-4.0%
Previous
-3.7%
Highest
-1.1%
Lowest
-9.6%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
Japan's fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -2.0% in 2026, ranking #68 out of 192 countries. This represents a -8.1% change from 2030. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was -1.1% (2025) and the lowest was -9.6% (2009). The IMF WEO projects -4.0% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | -4.0% | -8.1% |
| 2030 | -3.7% | -12.1% |
| 2029 | -3.3% | -13.8% |
| 2028 | -2.9% | -20.8% |
| 2027 | -2.4% | -20.0% |
| 2026 | -2.0% | -81.8% |
| 2025 | -1.1% | +35.3% |
| 2024 | -1.7% | +29.2% |
| 2023 | -2.4% | +42.9% |
| 2022 | -4.2% | +33.3% |
| 2021 | -6.3% | +30.0% |
| 2020 | -9.0% | -200.0% |
| 2019 | -3.0% | -25.0% |
| 2018 | -2.4% | +20.0% |
| 2017 | -3.0% | +16.7% |
| 2016 | -3.6% | +0.0% |
| 2015 | -3.6% | +35.7% |
| 2014 | -5.6% | +26.3% |
| 2013 | -7.6% | +7.3% |
| 2012 | -8.2% | +8.9% |
| 2011 | -9.0% | +1.1% |
| 2010 | -9.1% | +5.2% |
| 2009 | -9.6% | -134.1% |
| 2008 | -4.1% | -41.4% |
| 2007 | -2.9% | +3.3% |
| 2006 | -3.0% | +31.8% |
| 2005 | -4.4% | +17.0% |
| 2004 | -5.3% | +27.4% |
| 2003 | -7.3% | -1.4% |
| 2002 | -7.2% | -18.0% |
| 2001 | -6.1% | +15.3% |
| 2000 | -7.2% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -2.0% | -81.8% |
| 2027Forecast | -2.4% | -20.0% |
| 2028Forecast | -2.9% | -20.8% |
| 2029Forecast | -3.3% | -13.8% |
| 2030Forecast | -3.7% | -12.1% |
| 2031Forecast | -4.0% | -8.1% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Naoero | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Macao SAR, China | 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