By The Rio Times | Created at 2026-07-25 10:22:06 | Updated at 2026-08-05 21:03:36
1 week ago
Bolivia · Economy
Key Facts
—External public debt stock US$14,357.7 million at 30 June 2026, up from US$14,164.3 million at end-2025.
—H1 2026 debt service vs disbursements Debt-service payments of US$1,284.9 million exceeded new disbursements of US$1,217.8 million, creating net outflows of US$67.1 million.
—New IDB financing approved The Inter-American Development Bank approved a US$204.2 million package for Bolivia’s northern Amazon electricity system on 24 July 2026.
—Sovereign bond re-entry Bolivia issued a US$1,000 million sovereign bond in H1 2026, lifting titles of debt to US$2,286.9 million, or 15.9% of external public debt.
—IMF facility under negotiation Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza confirmed talks for a US$2,500-2,800 million facility, with a possible first disbursement by end-August 2026.
Bolivia debt service payments outstripped new external financing in the first half of 2026, according to central bank data released in late July, deepening a dollar-liquidity crunch that has pushed the government to accelerate talks with the International Monetary Fund and multilateral lenders.
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Bolivia Debt: External Debt Stock Climbs Past US$14.3 Billion
Bolivia’s external public debt reached US$14,357.7 million at 30 June 2026, the Bolivian Central Bank (BCB) reported. The figure represents a US$193.4 million increase from the US$14,164.3 million recorded on 31 December 2025.
Net Outflows Signal Dollar-Liquidity Stress
The most pressing signal in the BCB data is the gap between what Bolivia pays and what it receives. First-half debt-service payments reached US$1,284.9 million, while new disbursements totaled only US$1,217.8 million.
Sovereign Bond Return and Commercial Debt Pressures
Bolivia re-entered international capital markets in the first half of 2026 with a US$1,000 million sovereign bond issuance. The operation lifted the country’s stock of debt securities from US$1,850 million to US$2,286.9 million, bringing bond debt to 15.9% of total external public debt.
IDB Approves US$204 Million for Amazon Electricity
On 24 July 2026, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$204.2 million financing package to strengthen Bolivia’s northern Amazon electricity system. The package is split into US$142.2 million in ordinary-capital resources, US$60 million in credit, and US$2 million in non-reimbursable climate-infrastructure cooperation.
IMF Negotiations Mark Policy Shift
Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza confirmed in late July that Bolivia is negotiating an IMF facility in the range of US$2,500 million to US$2,800 million. He indicated a possible signing “in the coming days” and a first disbursement by end-August 2026.
What the Squeeze Means for Foreigners and Investors
For expatriates living in Bolivia, the dollar shortage has practical consequences. Access to hard currency for remittances, imports, or travel can become restricted when the central bank prioritizes external debt payments over domestic foreign-exchange supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bolivia’s total external public debt?
As of 30 June 2026, Bolivia’s external public debt stood at US$14,357.7 million, up from US$14,164.3 million at the end of 2025, according to the Bolivian Central Bank.
Is Bolivia paying more in debt service than it receives in new loans?
Yes. In the first half of 2026, Bolivia paid US$1,284.9 million in debt service but received only US$1,217.8 million in new disbursements, resulting in net outflows of US$67.1 million.
Is Bolivia getting an IMF bailout?
Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza confirmed negotiations for a US$2,500-2,800 million IMF facility, with a possible signing and first disbursement by end-August 2026. No deal has been finalized yet, and the talks mark a shift from President Rodrigo Paz’s earlier campaign stance against an IMF package.
