Spending Smarter: How Efficient and Well-Allocated Public Spending Can Boost Economic Growth
IMF Fiscal Affairs Department
October 2021
About this Dataset: This database summarizes key fiscal measures governments have announced or taken in selected economies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as of September 27th, 2021. It includes COVID-19 related measures since January 2020 and covers measures for implementation in 2020, 2021, and beyond. The database categorizes different types of fiscal support (for example, above-the-line and below-the line measures, and contingent liabilities) that have different implications for public finances in the near term and beyond. Please refer to Box 1.1 of the April 2020 Fiscal Monitor for details. The database is not meant for classifying the measures for fiscal reporting, nor for comparison across economies as responses vary depending on country-specific circumstances, including the impact of the pandemic and other shocks. It focuses on government discretionary measures that supplement existing automatic stabilizers. These existing stabilizers differ across countries in their breadth and scope. Estimates included here are preliminary as governments are taking additional measures or finalizing the details of individual measures. The information does not represent views of the IMF on the measures listed. Please see IMF Policy Tracker for information on a broader range of economies and their monetary and financial policies.
Downloads for detailed country measures: Excel file | PDF file
Additional Spending and Forgone Revenue in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Percent of 2020 GDP)
Budgetary fiscal support to people and firms has varied widely across countries.
The boundaries, colors, denominations, and any other information shown on the maps do not imply, on the part of the International Monetary Fund, any judgment on the legal status of any territory or any endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries.
Discretionary Fiscal Response to the COVID-19 Crisis in Selected Economies
(Percent of 2020 GDP)
Sources: Database of Country Fiscal Measures in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and IMF staff estimates.
Note: Estimates as of September 27th, 2021. Numbers in U.S. dollar and percent of GDP are based on October 2021 World Economic Outlook unless otherwise stated. Country group averages are weighted by GDP in US dollars adjusted by purchasing power parity. Data labels use International Organization for Standardization country codes. AEs = advanced economies; EMs = emerging markets; LIDCs = low-income developing countries.
July 2021 Charts and maps
July 2021 Database
