As shown in this statistic, the national debt of China stands at approximately 18.82 trillion U.S. dollars in 2025.Continuous rise between 1995 and 2025Compared to the earliest depicted observation from 1995 there is a total increase by approximately 18.63 trillion U.S. dollars. Looking at the trajectory between 1995 and 2025, one can observe that this increase furthermore happened continuously.Continuous rise between 2025 and 2030The national debt will stand at close to 29.65 trillion U.S. dollars in 2030, according to forecasts. Compared to 2025 this is an overall increase by approximately 10.83 trillion U.S. dollars. This growth reflects a steady upward trend.

China external debt for 2022 was 2.389 trillion US dollars, a 11.6% decline from 2021.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>China external debt for 2021 was <strong>2.702 trillion US dollars</strong>, a <strong>16.16% increase</strong> from 2020.</li>
<li>China external debt for 2020 was <strong>2.326 trillion US dollars</strong>, a <strong>10.03% increase</strong> from 2019.</li>
<li>China external debt for 2019 was <strong>2.114 trillion US dollars</strong>, a <strong>7.78% increase</strong> from 2018.</li>
</ul>Total external debt is debt owed to nonresidents repayable in currency, goods, or services. Total external debt is the sum of public, publicly guaranteed, and private nonguaranteed long-term debt, use of IMF credit, and short-term debt. Short-term debt includes all debt having an original maturity of one year or less and interest in arrears on long-term debt. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

As of December 2024, Japan held United States treasury securities totaling about 1.06 trillion U.S. dollars. Foreign holders of United States treasury debt According to the Federal Reserve and U.S. Department of the Treasury, foreign countries held a total of 8.5 trillion U.S. dollars in U.S. treasury securities as of December 2024. Of the total held by foreign countries, Japan and Mainland China held the greatest portions, with China holding 759 billion U.S. dollars in U.S. securities. The U.S. public debt In 2023, the United States had a total public national debt of 33.2 trillion U.S. dollars, an amount that has been rising steadily, particularly since 2008. In 2023, the total interest expense on debt held by the public of the United States reached 678 billion U.S. dollars, while 197 billion U.S. dollars in interest expense were intra governmental debt holdings. Total outlays of the U.S. government were 6.1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. By 2029, spending is projected to reach 8.3 trillion U.S. dollars.

Key information about China Government Debt: % of GDP

• China Government debt accounted for 25.6 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Dec 2024, compared with the ratio of 25.1 % in the previous quarter.
• China government debt to GDP ratio data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2014 to Dec 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 25.6 % in Dec 2024 and a record low of 14.0 % in Mar 2014.

• In the latest reports, China National Government Debt reached 4,230.0 USD bn in Dec 2023.
• The country's Nominal GDP reached 4,166.8 USD bn in Mar 2023.

The graph shows national debt in China related to gross domestic product until 2024, with forecasts to 2030. In 2024, gross national debt ranged at around 88 percent of the national gross domestic product. The debt-to-GDP ratio In economics, the ratio between a country's government debt and its gross domestic product (GDP) is generally defined as the debt-to-GDP ratio. It is a useful indicator for investors to measure a country's ability to fulfill future payments on its debts. A low debt-to-GDP ratio also suggests that an economy produces and sells a sufficient amount of goods and services to pay back those debts. Among the important industrial and emerging countries, Japan displayed one of the highest debt-to-GDP ratios. In 2024, the estimated national debt of Japan amounted to about 250 percent of its GDP, up from around 180 percent in 2004. One reason behind Japan's high debt load lies in its low annual GDP growth rate. Development in China China's national debt related to GDP grew slowly but steadily from around 23 percent in 2000 to 34 percent in 2012, only disrupted by the global financial crisis in 2008. In recent years, China increased credit financing to spur economic growth, resulting in higher levels of debt. China's real estate crisis and a difficult global economic environment require further stimulating measures by the government and will predictably lead to even higher debt growth in the years ahead.

Key information about China External Debt

• China External Debt reached 2,516.9 USD bn in Sep 2024, compared with 2,545.3 USD bn in the previous quarter.
• China External Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Jun 2003 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 2,746.6 USD bn in Dec 2021 and a record low of 182.6 USD bn in Jun 2003.

• In the latest reports of China, Current Account recorded a surplus of 147.6 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) fell by 8.3 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• China Direct Investment Abroad expanded by 34.5 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Its Foreign Portfolio Investment increased by 24.0 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• The country's Nominal GDP was reported at 4,166.8 USD bn in Mar 2023.

Graph and download economic data for Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors (FDHBFIN) from Q1 1970 to Q4 2024 about foreign, debt, federal, and USA.

The outstanding value of China's general government debt securities has shown an upward trend from 2000 to the third quarter of 2024, rising from 116 billion U.S. dollars to over 11 trillion U.S. dollars. The largest increase occurred between 2019 and 2020, when it went from 5.6 trillion to 7.4 trillion U.S. dollars.

Key information about China Household Debt: % of GDP

• China household debt accounted for 63.3 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Mar 2023, compared with the ratio of 61.9 % in the previous quarter.
• China household debt to GDP ratio is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2007 to Mar 2023.
• The data reached an all-time high of 63.3 % in Mar 2023 and a record low of 17.9 % in Dec 2008.

• In the latest reports, China Household Debt reached 10,834.1 USD bn in Jun 2023.
• Money Supply M2 in China increased 11.6 % YoY in May 2023.
• China Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 3,193.0 USD bn in Jun 2023.
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 14.9 Months of Import in Jun 2023.
• China Domestic Credit reached 43,669.0 USD bn in Jun 2023, representing an increased of 10.8 % YoY.
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.6 % in Mar 2023, compared with the ratio of 1.6 % in the previous quarter.

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

• 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

Discover how China's control over rare earths and U.S. debt could impact global trade dynamics amid rising tensions with the United States.

Over the last decade, the debt of nonfinancial corporations in China have grown the fastest of all major economies, increasing from 4.38 trillion U.S. dollars in 2008 to 27.7 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. As a result, Chinese corporate debt now exceeds U.S. corporate debt, which stood at nearly 20 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022.

Net flows on external debt, private nonguaranteed (PNG) (NFL, current US$) in China was reported at --44757998000 USD in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - Net flows on external debt, private nonguaranteed (PNG) (NFL, current US$) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on May of 2025.

This statistic shows the national debt of important industrial and emerging countries in 2023 in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP). In 2023, the national debt of China was at about 83.64 percent of the gross domestic product.

External debt stocks, short-term (DOD, current US$) in China was reported at 1287403080192 USD in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - External debt stocks, short-term (DOD, current US$) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

CN: External Debt: DIS: PS: Official Creditors data was reported at 1.954 USD bn in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2.344 USD bn for 2022. CN: External Debt: DIS: PS: Official Creditors data is updated yearly, averaging 3.526 USD bn from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2023, with 43 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.074 USD bn in 1995 and a record low of 584.327 USD mn in 1981. CN: External Debt: DIS: PS: Official Creditors data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.World Bank.IDS: External Debt: Disbursements and Interest Payment: Annual. Public sector debt from official creditors includes loans from international organizations (multilateral loans) and loans from governments (bilateral loans). Loans from international organization include loans and credits from the World Bank, regional development banks, and other multilateral and intergovernmental agencies. Excluded are loans from funds administered by an international organization on behalf of a single donor government; these are classified as loans from governments. Government loans include loans from governments and their agencies (including central banks), loans from autonomous bodies, and direct loans from official export credit agencies. Disbursements are drawings by the borrower on loan commitments during the year specified. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

China: Auto debt balance per capita, U.S. dollars: The latest value from is U.S. dollars, unavailable from U.S. dollars in . In comparison, the world average is 0 U.S. dollars, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for China from to is U.S. dollars. The minimum value, U.S. dollars, was reached in while the maximum of U.S. dollars was recorded in .

In 2023, China held 5.33 percent of foreign held U.S. securities. Japan held a further 9.28 percent of foreign held securities. The national debt of the United Stated can be found here.

Snapshot img

Debt Settlement Market Size 2024-2028

The debt settlement market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.07 billion at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of consumers seeking relief from mounting credit card debts. One-time debt settlement has gained popularity as an effective solution for individuals looking to reduce their outstanding debt balances. However, the time-consuming nature of negotiations between debtors and creditors poses a challenge for market expansion. Despite this, the market's strategic landscape remains favorable for companies offering debt settlement services. Key drivers include the rising number of consumers struggling with debt, increasing awareness of debt settlement as a viable debt relief option, and the growing preference for affordable and flexible debt repayment plans.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on streamlining the negotiation process, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, and building trust and transparency with clients. Effective operational planning and strategic partnerships with creditors can also help companies navigate the challenges of a competitive and complex market.

What will be the Size of the Debt Settlement Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The market encompasses a range of companies offering financial wellness programs to help consumers manage and reduce their debt. These programs include medical Debt collection, consumer debt relief, and financial education resources. Online financial resources and debt management software are increasingly popular, providing consumers with affordable debt solutions and debt negotiation strategies. However, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of debt settlement scams and their settlement success rates. Debt consolidation loans and financial planning tools are also viable options for responsible debt management. Furthermore, financial literacy education and workshops are essential for consumers to understand debt reduction calculators and credit reporting errors.
Consumer financial protection agencies offer financial counseling services and financial planning advice to promote financial wellness strategies and responsible borrowing. Student loan forgiveness programs are also gaining traction in the market. Overall, the market for debt settlement and financial wellness solutions continues to evolve, with a focus on providing accessible and effective debt relief options for consumers.

How is this Debt Settlement Industry segmented?

The debt settlement industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Credit card debt
  Student loan debt
  Medical debt
  Auto loan debt
  Unsecured personal loan debt
  Others


End-user

  Individual
  Enterprise
  Government


Distribution Channel

  Online
  Offline
  Hybrid


Service Type

  Debt Settlement
  Debt Consolidation
  Debt Management Plans
  Credit Counseling


Provider Type

  For-profit Debt Settlement Companies
  Non-profit Credit Counseling Agencies
  Law Firms
  Financial Institutions


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The credit card debt segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant activity due to the escalating credit card debt among consumers. In India, for instance, the rising financial hardships faced by borrowers are evident in the increasing credit card defaults. The latest data indicates that credit card defaults in India reached 1.8% in June 2024, a notable increase from 1.7% six months prior and 1.6% in March 2023. This trend underscores the mounting financial pressures on consumers. The outstanding credit card debt in India mirrors this trend, with approximately USD3.25 billion in outstanding balances as of June 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

Debt elimination and negotiation strategies, such as debt relief programs and debt consolidation, have become increasingly popular among consumers seeking financial relief. Credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in this process, as they maintain and report consumers' credit histories to lenders. Student loan debt, medical debt, tax debt, and payday loans are other significant contributors to the market. Consumers often turn to debt validation, credit repair, and financial coaching for guidance in managing their debts. Online platforms, mobile apps, and budgeting tools have become

External debt stocks, private nonguaranteed (PNG) (DOD, current US$) in China was reported at 616235068133 USD in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - External debt stocks, private nonguaranteed (PNG) (DOD, current US$) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on April of 2025.