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Deficit for Swedish central government in March 2026
Press release 9 April 2026
Swedish central government payments resulted in a deficit of SEK 6.5 billion in March. The Debt Office’s forecast was a deficit of SEK 14.2 billion. The difference is mainly due to lower net lending to government agencies etc.
The primary balance was SEK 2.4 billion higher than forecast. This is mainly due to slightly higher tax income than calculated.
The Debt Office’s net lending to government agencies etc. was SEK 5.1 billion lower than forecast. This is due, among other things, to higher deposits from Svenska Kraftnät than expected.
Interest payments on central government debt were in line with the forecast.
For the twelve-month period up to the end of March 2026, central government payments resulted in a deficit of SEK 103.5 billion.
Central government debt amounted to SEK 1,222 billion at the end of March.
The outcome for April 2026 will be published on 8 May 2026 at 8.00 a.m.
The date for publishing a new forecast on the Swedish economy and central government borrowing is 28 May 2026.
| Outcome | Forecast | Deviation | Acc. Dev. [2] | Outcome 12-month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget balance | -6 543 | -14 188 | 7 645 | 23 610 | -103 450 |
| Net borrowing requirement [1] | 6 543 | 14 188 | -7 645 | -23 610 | 103 450 |
| Primary balance [3] | 13 707 | 16 106 | -2 399 | -18 682 | 73 408 |
| Net lending to agencies etc. [4] | -10 445 | -5 309 | -5 136 | -5 632 | 247 |
| Interest payments on central government debt | 3 281 | 3 391 | -110 | 703 | 29 795 |
| - Interest on loans in SEK | 3 959 | 3 339 | 621 | 1 173 | 30 649 |
| - Interest on loans in foreign currency | 45 | 49 | -4 | -555 | -408 |
| - Realised currency gains and losses | -724 | 3 | -726 | 85 | -446 |
| [1] The net borrowing requirement corresponds to the budget balance with the opposite sign. | |||||
| [2] Sum of monthly forecast deviations since last forecast. | |||||
| [3] Net of the state's primary expenditure and income. | |||||
| [4] The net of government agencies etc. deposits and loans in the state’s internal bank. The net lending includes both current government operations and temporary occurrences that can be decided on short notice. The net lending affects the net borrowing requirement and central government debt, but is not covered by the Central government expenditure ceiling. | |||||
Report: Sweden’s Central Government Debt March 2026
Official statistics on the central government net borrowing requirement and government debt
The monthly outcome of the central government net borrowing requirement is included in the official statistics of Sweden.
The Debt Office published its latest forecast on the Swedish economy and central government borrowing on 27 November 2025: Central Government Borrowing - Forecast and Analysis 2025:2.
Press inquiries
The Debt Office's operations shall be characterized by an openness to the public and the media. The right of access to official business is a cornerstone of Swedish democracy.
Our press officer helps you get in touch with the right person so that you can get your questions answered quickly and easily. He can also provide you with material, answer comprehensive questions about our business and upcoming publications.
Mats Lilja, press officer
Press phone (office hours): +46(0)8-613 47 01, mobile +46(0)721-561 527
E-mail: Mats Lilja