Dominican Republic’s public debt grows by over US$3.7 billion in early 2025

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s public debt increased by US$3.75 billion during the first four months of 2025, marking a 6.52% rise so far this year. According to the General Directorate of Public Credit, total debt for the Non-Financial Public Sector (SPNF) reached US$61.34 billion, continuing an upward trend that has accelerated since 2022.

When adding the Central Bank’s debt of US$16.29 billion, the country’s consolidated public debt now totals US$77.63 billion. This marks an increase of more than US$9.48 billion (18%) from 2022, when the debt stood at US$51.85 billion.

Key drivers of the debt surge include the financing of budget deficits, interest payments on existing debt, and unfavorable international conditions, such as rising global interest rates. The increasing debt burden has sparked concern among economists and civil society over its potential impact on the national budget, debt servicing capacity, and the country’s long-term fiscal flexibility.

Experts are calling for stronger fiscal discipline and more sustainable financing strategies to safeguard the Dominican Republic’s economic future.