In September 2023, the national debt of the United States had risen up to 33.17 trillion U.S. dollars. The national debt per capita had risen to 85,552 U.S. dollars in 2021. As represented by the statistic above, the public debt of the United States has been continuously rising.

U.S. public debt Public debt, also known as national and governmental debt, is the debt owed by a nations’ central government. In the case of the U.S., national debt is owed by the federal government to Treasury security holders. Generally speaking, government debt increases with government spending, and can be decreased through taxes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government increased spending significantly to finance virus infrastructure, aid, and various forms of economic relief.

International public debt

Venezuela leads the global ranking of the 20 countries with the highest public debt in 2021. In relation to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Venezuela's public debt amounted to around 306.95 percent of GDP. Eritrea was ranked fifth, with an estimated debt of 170 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

The national debt of the United Kingdom is forecasted to grow from 87 percent in 2022 to 70 percent in 2027, in relation to the Gross Domestic Product. These figures include England, Wales, Scotland as well as Northern Ireland.

Greece had the highest national debt among EU countries as of the 4th quarter of 2020 in relation to the Gross Domestic Product. Germany ranked 13th in the EU, with its national debt amounting to 69 percent of GDP in the same time period.

Tuvalu was one of the 20 countries with the lowest national debt in 2021 in relation to the GDP, while Macao had an estimated level of national debt of zero percent, the lowest of any country. The data refer to the debts of the entire state, including the central government, the provinces, municipalities, local authorities and social insurance.

By 2034, the gross federal debt of the United States is projected to be about 54.39 trillion U.S. dollars. This would be an increase of around 21 trillion U.S. dollars from 2023, when the federal debt was around 33 trillion U.S. dollars.

The federal debt of the U.S.

The federal debt, also called the national debt or public debt, is the amount of debt held by the United States government. This debt may be to other countries, or to different departments within the government itself. The public debt of the United States has increased significantly over the past 30 years, as it was around 3.2 trillion U.S. dollars in 1990 and surpassed 30 trillion dollars for the first time in 2022. When broken down per capita, the national debt amounted to about 80,885 U.S. dollars of debt per person in the United States in 2021.

The problem of the federal debt

Over the past decade, the federal debt limit in the United States has increased significantly. The U.S. debt ceiling can only be changed by an act of Congress which is then signed by the president. The raising of the ceiling has become a recurring political issue in recent years, especially during times when the Presidency and chambers of Congress are controlled by different parties.

The debt ceiling is a tool that allows the Treasury to issue bonds without congressional approval, allowing for efficiency in the way that the government pays for programs and services. It is thought to be further valuable in that it keeps federal finances in check. However, when the two parties are unable to come to an agreement on raising the debt ceiling, the government comes to a shutdown because they can no longer fund themselves. The Republican Party in particular often positions itself against raising the federal debt ceiling, characterizing themselves as the party of fiscal conservativism. However, analyses have shown that both parties have contributed to the country's debt in almost equal measures.

Graph and download economic data for Federal Debt: Total Public Debt (GFDEBTN) from Q1 1966 to Q4 2024 about public, debt, federal, government, and USA.

Key information about US External Debt

• United States External Debt reached 25,798.1 USD bn in Sep 2024, compared with 26,895.8 USD bn in the previous quarter.
• US External Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Jun 2003 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 26,895.8 USD bn in Jun 2024 and a record low of 6,570.2 USD bn in Jun 2003.

The US Department of Treasury provides External Debt in USD based on BPM6. External Debt prior to Q3 2014 is based on BPM5.


Related information about US External Debt

• In the latest reports of US, Current Account recorded a deficit of 310.9 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by 96.6 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• US Direct Investment Abroad expanded by 96.8 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Its Foreign Portfolio Investment increased by 637.6 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• The country's Nominal GDP was reported at 6,632.4 USD bn in Mar 2023.

In October 2024, the public debt of the United States was around 35.46 trillion U.S. dollars, a slight decrease from the previous month. The U.S. public debt ceiling has become one of the most prominent political issues in the States in recent years, with debate over how to handle it causing political turmoil between Democrats and Republicans. The public debt The public debt of the United States has risen quickly since 2000, and in 2022 was more than five times higher than in 2000. The public debt is the total outstanding debt that is owed by the federal government. This figure comprises debt owed to the public (for example, through bonds) and intergovernmental debt (debt owed to various governmental departments), such as Social Security. Debt in Politics The debt issue has become a highly contentious topic within the U.S. government. Measures such as stimulus packages, social programs and tax cuts add to the public debt. Additionally, spending tends to peak during large global events, such as the Great Depression, the 2008 financial crisis, or the COVID-19 pandemic - all of which had a detrimental impact on the U.S. economy. Although both major political parties in the U.S. tend to blame one another for increases in the country's debt, a recent analysis found that both parties have contributed almost equally to national expenditure. Debate on raising the debt ceiling, or the amount of debt the federal government is allowed to have at any one time, was a leading topic in the government shutdown in October 2013. Despite plans from both Democrats and Republicans on how to lower the national debt, it is only expected to increase over the next decade.

The United States recorded a Government Debt to GDP of 122.30 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2023. This dataset provides - United States Government Debt To GDP - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Total outstanding debt of the U.S. government reported daily. Includes a breakout of intragovernmental holdings (federal debt held by U.S. government) and debt held by the public (federal debt held by entities outside the U.S. government).

Graph and download economic data for Federal Debt Held by the Public as Percent of Gross Domestic Product (FYGFGDQ188S) from Q1 1970 to Q4 2024 about public, debt, federal, GDP, and USA.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Debt Settlement market size is USD 289.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 115.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 86.76 million.
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 66.52 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 14.46 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The B2B Type held the highest Debt Settlement market revenue share in 2024

Market Dynamics of Debt Settlement Market

Key Drivers for Debt Settlement Market

Increased Consumer Debt to Increase the Demand Globally

Rising consumer debt tiers, influenced by factors that include scholar loans, clinical payments, and credit card utilization, make contributions to burgeoning customers for debt settlement companies. Mounting economic obligations stresses people, prompting them to search for comfort through debt agreement offerings. Student mortgage burdens, exacerbated with the aid of escalating lesson fees and clinical prices, frequently now not fully protected by using coverage, compound the debt crisis. Additionally, sizable credit card utilization amplifies patron indebtedness. These elements together pressure people to explore debt agreement alternatives, aiming to barter decreased payment arrangements with lenders. Consequently, the demand for debt agreement offerings surges amidst the backdrop of escalating purchaser debt, reflecting the profound effect of financial strain on households.

Greater Awareness of Debt Settlement Services to Propel Market Growth

Heightened advertising endeavors and monetary literacy tasks have fostered broader know-how of debt settlement offerings as a viable approach to debt control. With extra publicity for those options, customers are increasingly open to exploring alternatives beyond traditional debt compensation techniques. Enhanced recognition empowers people to recall debt agreements as a proactive technique to alleviate economic burdens. As they grow to be extra informed about the capacity blessings and implications, clients are much more likely to interact with debt agreement businesses to negotiate favorable phrases with lenders. This shift indicates a fundamental alternate in customer attitudes toward debt management, pushed via education and outreach efforts aimed toward promoting financial empowerment and resilience.

Restraint Factor for the Debt Settlement Market

Negative Impact on Credit Score to Limit the Sales

Debt agreement, even as providing alleviation from overwhelming monetary burdens, frequently involves an amazing drawback: a vast decline in the man or woman's credit score. By negotiating decreased repayment quantities with lenders, individuals efficiently acknowledge an incapacity to fulfill the initial debt duties as agreed upon. Consequently, credit score reporting groups interpret this as a hazard component, main to a downward adjustment within the person's credit rating. This faded score can critically prevent future financial endeavors, consisting of securing loans or traces of credit, as creditors normally view lower credit scores as indicative of heightened repayment danger. Thus, whilst debt settlement provides on-the-spot respite, its lasting impact on creditworthiness underscores the importance of cautiously weighing the trade-offs concerned in pursuing such answers.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Debt Settlement Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the debt settlement market, triggering a surge in demand as individuals grapple with financial hardships caused by job losses, reduced incomes, and economic instability [1]. Mounting debts, exacerbated by pandemic-related expenses and disruptions, have driven more people to seek ass...

AFCC Debt Settlement operates in a substantial and rapidly growing market for debt settlement services. The global debt settlement market, valued at USD 388.4 million in 2025, is projected to reach USD XX billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing consumer debt levels, rising interest rates, and the proliferation of financial products. The market is segmented based on type (credit card loan, medical loan, private student loan, others), application (open-end loan, closed-end loan), and region (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific). Key industry players include Freedom Debt Relief, Rescue One Financial, National Debt Relief, ClearOne Advantage, and Century Support Services. Several factors contribute to the market's growth. Consumers are facing higher levels of debt due to factors such as job loss, medical expenses, and overspending. At the same time, interest rates are rising, making it more expensive for consumers to repay their debts. This has led to an increased demand for debt settlement services, which can help consumers reduce their debt burden and improve their financial health. Additionally, the increasing availability of financial products, such as credit cards and personal loans, has contributed to the growth of the market. These products can be helpful when used responsibly, but they can also lead to excessive debt if not managed properly. As a result, the demand for debt settlement services is expected to remain strong in the years to come.

Consumers in the United States had over 16 trillion dollars in debt as of the third quarter of 2023. The majority of that debt were home mortgages, amounting to approximately 11.4 trillion U.S. dollars. Student and car loans were the second and third largest component of household debt. Why is consumer debt important?Debt influences the Consumer Sentiment Index, which is an important indicator assessing the state of the U.S. economy. The U.S. housing market is also seen a bellwether of the economic conditions in the country. The housing industry employs a large number of people, and mortgages are large investments that consumers will pay off over the course of years, sometimes decades. Because of this, financial analysts closely watch consumer debt and its effects on the demand for housing. Attitudes towards debt Consumer perception of debt differed, depending on the kind of debt in question. While most saw a home mortgage as a positive investment, they increasingly looked at student loan debt as a negative debt. With education costs increasing, people are incurring more student loan debt in the United States. Credit card debt also had negative connotations.

Tunisia recorded a Government Debt to GDP of 76.70 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2023. This dataset provides - Tunisia Government Debt To GDP - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about United States Household Debt

• United States Household Debt reached 18,036.0 USD bn in Dec 2024, compared with the reported number of 17,943.0 USD bn in the previous quarter
• US Household Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1999 to Dec 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 18,036.0 USD bn in Dec 2024 and a record low of 4,540.0 USD bn in Mar 1999

Federal Reserve Board of New York provides quarterly Household Debt in USD. Household Debt includes Mortgages, Home Equity Revolving, Auto Loans, Bankcards, Student Loans and Others.


Further information about United States Household Debt

• In the latest reports, United States Household Debt accounted for 61.7 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Dec 2024
• Money Supply M2 in United States increased 21,533.8 USD bn YoY in Dec 2024
• United States Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 34.9 USD bn in Dec 2024
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 0.1 Months of Import in Dec 2024
• United States Domestic Credit reached 30,648.3 USD bn in Mar 2024, representing an drop of 0.3 % YoY

Key information about Uruguay External Debt: Short Term: % of GDP

• Uruguay External Debt: Short Term accounted for 10.4 % of the country's Nominal GDP in 2023, compared with the ratio of 11.6 % in the previous year.
• Uruguay External Debt: Short Term: % of Nominal GDP data is updated yearly, available from 1999 to 2023.
• The data reached an all-time high of 46.6 % in 2001 and a record low of 8.5 % in 2011.

CEIC calculates annual Short Term External Debt as % of Nominal GDP from annual Short Term External Debt and quarterly Nominal GDP. The Central Bank of Uruguay provides Short Term External Debt in USD and Nominal GDP in local currency based on SNA 2008. The Central Bank of Uruguay average market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Short Term External Debt as % of Nominal prior to 2016 is calculated from Nominal GDP based on SNA 1993.


Related information about Uruguay External Debt: Short Term: % of GDP

• In the latest reports of Uruguay, Current Account recorded a deficit of 140.9 USD mn in Sep 2024.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by 90.7 USD mn in Sep 2024.
• Uruguay Direct Investment Abroad expanded by 524.7 USD mn in Sep 2024.
• Its Foreign Portfolio Investment increased by 399.9 USD mn in Sep 2024.
• Uruguay External Debt: Short Term value stood at 9.0 USD bn in Dec 2023.
• The country's Nominal GDP was reported at 19.2 USD bn in Mar 2023.

The debt negotiation market is projected to reach XXX million by 2033, with a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The rising consumer debt levels, increasing unemployment rates, and economic downturns are driving the market growth. Additionally, the growing awareness of debt negotiation services and the availability of online platforms are contributing to the market expansion. The market is segmented by application into personal debt negotiation and business debt negotiation. The personal debt negotiation segment is expected to hold a larger market share due to the increasing number of individuals struggling with debt. By type, the market is divided into secured debt negotiation and unsecured debt negotiation. Secured debt negotiation is anticipated to account for a larger market share due to the higher risk involved in negotiating secured debts. The major players in the debt negotiation market include Freedom Debt Relief, National Debt Relief, Rescue One Financial, ClearOne Advantage, New Era Debt Solutions, Pacific Debt, Accredited Debt Relief, CuraDebt Systems, Guardian Debt Relief, Debt Negotiation Services, Premier Debt Help, and Oak View Law Group.

Key information about China Household Debt

• China Household Debt reached 11,498.4 USD bn in Jan 2025, compared with the reported number of 11,347.6 USD bn in the previous month
• China Household Debt: USD mn data is updated monthly, available from Jan 2007 to Jan 2025
• The data reached an all-time high of 11,691.0 USD bn in Sep 2024 and a record low of 517.7 USD bn in Jan 2007

CEIC converts monthly Household Debt into USD. The People's Bank of China provides Household Debt in local currency. The Federal Reserve Board period end market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Loans are used due to the lack of Flow of Funds statistics.


Further information about China Household Debt

• In the latest reports, China Household Debt accounted for 63.3 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Mar 2023
• Money Supply M2 in China increased 44,045.8 USD bn YoY in Sep 2024
• China Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 3,209.0 USD bn in Jan 2025
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 13.9 Months of Import in Dec 2024
• China Domestic Credit reached 49,338.1 USD bn in Jan 2025, representing an increased of 7.9 % YoY

Graph and download economic data for Number of Foreign Banks That Tightened and Reported That Increase in Defaults by Borrowers in Public Debt Markets Was a Very Important Reason (SUBLPFCIRTDVNQ) from Q3 2000 to Q1 2011 about borrowings, public, foreign, debt, banks, depository institutions, and USA.

Key information about Chile Household Debt

• Chile Household Debt reached 122.2 USD bn in Jan 2025, compared with the reported number of 121.3 USD bn in the previous month
• Chile Household Debt: USD mn data is updated monthly, available from Jan 2009 to Jan 2025
• The data reached an all-time high of 137.1 USD bn in Mar 2023 and a record low of 40.7 USD bn in Jan 2009

CEIC converts monthly Household Debt into USD. The Financial Market Commission provides Household Debt in local currency. The Central Bank of Chile period end market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Loans are used due to the lack of Flow of Funds statistics. Household Debt includes Mortgages and Consumer Loans. Household Debt prior to January 2022 is based on International Accounting Standard (IAS) 39.


Further information about Chile Household Debt

• In the latest reports, Chile Household Debt accounted for 39.2 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024
• Money Supply M2 in Chile increased 192.5 USD bn YoY in Jan 2025
• Chile Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 40.9 USD bn in Feb 2025
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 6.5 Months of Import in Feb 2025
• Chile Domestic Credit reached 273.2 USD bn in Nov 2024, representing an increased of 5.5 % YoY

External Debt in Burkina Faso increased to 4992 EUR Million in 2023 from 4660 EUR Million in 2022. This dataset provides - Burkina Faso External Debt- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The statistic shows the national debt of the United States from 2019 to 2022 in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP), with projections up until 2029. In 2022, the national debt of the United States was at around 120.03 percent of the gross domestic product. See the US GDP for further information. US finances There has been a dramatic increase in the public debt of the United States since 1990, although the month-to-month change has been quite stable over the last few months. Public debt is defined as the amount of money borrowed by a country to cover budget deficits. A ranking of individual state debt in the United States shows that California is leading by a clear margin, with more than double the amount of runner-up New York. Vermont, North Dakota and South Dakota are the states with the lowest amount of debt. Even before the recession of 2008, the national debt of the United States had been increasing steadily and excessively, and it is predicted to rise even further. Budget cuts and fewer job opportunities as a result of the crisis are taking their toll on the American economy, which is still recovering. Trade figures as well as unemployment are still below average. Subsequently, the national debt and the national debt of the United States per capita have more or less quadrupled since the 1990s. Interestingly, the United States is not even among the top ten of countries with the highest public debt in relation to gross domestic product in international comparison. Japan, Greece and Italy – among others – report far higher figures than the United States.