Joint BIS-IMF-OECD-World Bank statistics on external debt

The Joint BIS-IMF-OECD-World Bank statistics on external debt - developed jointly by the BIS, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Bank (WB), disseminate data on the external debt of developed, developing and transition countries and territories, as well as statistics on selected foreign assets.

The joint statistics - which include quarterly data obtained by creditor and market sources, as well as national sources - provide a breakdown by instrument and, importantly, show measures of short-term debt not easily available from other sources.

The BIS banking and securities market statistics are a vital element in this joint effort. Although the joint statistics are unable to provide a fully comprehensive and consistent measure of total external debt in each country, they bring together the most relevant international comparative data currently available in this area.

Accessing the joint data

The joint BIS/IMF/OECD/WB data on external debt can be accessed through the electronic Joint External Debt Hub (JEDH). Data are available in the format of tables and an online database.

External debt statistics guide

The 2013 External Debt Statistics: Guide for Compilers and Users (2013 EDS Guide) provides comprehensive guidance for measurement, compilation, analytical use, and presentation of external debt statistics.