When Australians hear about ‘external debt’, it can sound like an abstract economic term far removed from everyday life. But in 2025, with the Reserve Bank navigating volatile global markets and a shifting trade landscape, external debt is front-page news—and its effects ripple through everything from home loan rates to the cost of living.
What Is External Debt, and Why Does It Matter?
External debt refers to the total amount Australia owes to overseas creditors, including foreign governments, commercial banks, and international institutions. It covers both public (government) and private sector borrowings. Unlike domestic debt, which is owed to Australian lenders, external debt means we’re reliant on international capital markets—and their changing moods.
- As of Q1 2025, Australia’s gross external debt stands at just over $1.2 trillion, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics—a figure that’s grown by 7% year-on-year as both government and corporates tap foreign funds for infrastructure and investment.
- External debt is often denominated in foreign currencies like USD or EUR, exposing borrowers to exchange rate risks—especially relevant as the Aussie dollar has fluctuated between US$0.62 and US$0.68 in the past six months.
Why does this matter? External debt can fuel economic growth, but excessive reliance can make the country vulnerable to global shocks or sudden changes in investor sentiment. If foreign investors lose confidence, borrowing costs can spike—impacting everyone from first-home buyers to big business.
Recent Policy Shifts and Market Trends in 2025
This year has brought several noteworthy developments:
- Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Policy: In response to higher US interest rates and a stronger greenback, the RBA kept its cash rate at 4.35% despite calls for a rate cut. This was partly to keep Australian bonds attractive to foreign investors, ensuring smooth refinancing of maturing external debt.
- Green and Infrastructure Bonds: Australian state governments and major corporates have issued a record $40 billion in green bonds in 2025, much of it snapped up by overseas investors. This trend not only diversifies funding sources but also ties Australia’s debt profile to the appetite for sustainable finance globally.
- Trade and Current Account: Australia’s current account has slipped back into deficit as exports of iron ore and LNG softened amid slowing Chinese demand. This means we’re borrowing more from abroad to fund the gap, increasing sensitivity to external shocks.
These trends have prompted Treasury to review its foreign currency risk management, and some banks are hedging more of their offshore borrowings to protect against sharp currency swings.
How External Debt Affects Households, Businesses, and Investors
External debt isn’t just a government concern. Here’s how it filters down:
- Interest Rates: High levels of external debt can push up risk premiums, making mortgages, business loans, and credit cards more expensive. If global investors demand higher yields, Aussie banks pass those costs on to customers.
- Exchange Rate Volatility: A weaker dollar makes imported goods pricier, adding to inflation. For families, this means higher costs for essentials like fuel, electronics, and overseas travel. For businesses, it affects margins on imported inputs and the competitiveness of exports.
- Investment Portfolios: Super funds and private investors with offshore assets benefit when the dollar falls, but rising global interest rates can dent the value of both bonds and equities—so diversification is more important than ever.
Real-world example: In March 2025, a sudden jump in US Treasury yields saw the Australian 10-year bond yield rise by 0.4 percentage points in a single week. That led to fixed-rate home loan offers being pulled or repriced overnight, highlighting just how quickly global debt markets can affect local borrowers.
Looking Ahead: Managing the Risks and Opportunities
Australia’s external debt is likely to remain high as long as the nation runs a current account deficit and governments pursue infrastructure upgrades. However, prudent risk management is key. The 2025 federal budget earmarked $7 billion for strengthening the nation’s foreign currency reserves and expanding currency swap lines with key trading partners, aiming to buffer against sudden capital outflows.
For individuals and businesses, the message is clear: keep an eye on global debt trends and interest rate movements, and consider the impact of currency swings on your finances. Whether you’re managing a mortgage, running a business, or investing for retirement, external debt is more than a macroeconomic headline—it’s a factor shaping your financial world in real time.
