Economics 7 Oct 2026

The World Now Owes $365 Trillion — Up $10T in Six Months

Global debt reached a record $365 trillion in H1 2026, up about $10 trillion in six months.

Global debt reached a record $365 trillion in the first half of 2026, up about $10 trillion in six months, according to the Institute of International Finance. The United States accounts for $111.8T and emerging markets for more than $110T, including China's $72.5T. The six-month rise was smaller than the $21T recorded in H1 2025.

• Global debt: $365T (+$10T in H1 2026)
• United States: $111.8T (+$3.5T)
• Emerging markets: $110T+ (+$6.5T), including China $72.5T (+$4.8T)

China is part of the emerging-markets total; the regional figures are not additive. Country/region breakdowns are as reported by secondary outlets citing the IIF.