Trends and major holders of U.S. federal debt

The U.S. debt burden became heavier as a result of the unprecedented policy response to the global financial crisis and economic recession, and it has continued to grow. On March 11, the U.S. administration unveiled a US$ 4.75 trillion budget proposal that projects debt held by the public will hit US$ 22.8 trillion by 2025, more than 50% higher than in 2017, when debt held by the public was US$ 14.7 trillion. Regarding short-term prospects, total U.S. debt is expected to reach a statutory limit known as the “debt ceiling” later this year, which will require a congressional vote to raise the ceiling.