Estimating the Cost of Contributions to the IMF

Publication Date:

Publisher: Center for Economic and Policy Research

Author(s): Mark Weisbrot; David Rosnick

Research Area: Banking and finance

Keywords: National debt; Recession; Loan interest

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This issue brief looks at the likely costs to the U.S. Treasury from a $108 billion increase in the U.S. contribution to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The White House's Office of Management and Budget originally proposed the $108 billion be scored at zero in the budget, and there are indications that it may be scored at as little as $5 billion.

This analysis estimates the cost to the U.S. Treasury would be in the range of $16.6 to $26.3 billion, based on the difference between the U.S. Treasury's borrowing costs and interest received from the IMF. These estimates are conservative and understate the true cost.