Fiscal Policies Database

Source details

The dataset is the Fiscal Monitor Database of Country Fiscal Measures in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic compiled by the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department (October 2021).
The database summarizes key fiscal measures governments announced or took 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.

Focus: government discretionary measures that supplement existing automatic stabilizers.
Types of fiscal support categorized include above-the-line measures, below-the-line measures, and contingent liabilities.
Geographic groupings referenced: Advanced economies (AEs), Emerging markets (EMs), Low-income developing countries (LIDCs).
Country group averages are weighted by GDP in US dollars adjusted by purchasing power parity.
Data labels use International Organization for Standardization country codes.

Estimates are 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.
The database highlights "Additional Spending and Forgone Revenue in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (Percent of 2020 GDP)" and shows that budgetary fiscal support to people and firms has varied widely across countries.
Discretionary fiscal response is presented separately for:
- Advanced economies
- Emerging markets
- Low-income developing countries
Sources used: Database of Country Fiscal Measures in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic; and IMF staff estimates.

The database is not meant for classifying measures for fiscal reporting, nor for comparison across economies; responses vary depending on country-specific circumstances, including the impact of the pandemic and other shocks.
The database focuses on discretionary measures and recognizes existing automatic stabilizers differ across countries in breadth and scope.
Estimates are preliminary as governments are taking additional measures or finalizing details of individual measures.
The information does not represent views of the IMF on the measures listed; for broader monetary and financial policies, see IMF Policy Tracker.
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.

The dataset is maintained by the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department and is an ongoing project.
Comments, suggestions, and queries can be sent to IMF-Fiscal_CovidData@imf.org.