Mexico has recovered more gradually from the pandemic than its peers and economic activity is expected to slow in the second half of this year and into 2023. Inflation increased as the economy emerged from the COVID-19 shock but is expected to plateau in the second half of 2022 and then gradually decline.

This paper discusses Mexico’s Request for Arrangement Under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) and Cancellation of the Current Arrangement. Mexico’s macroeconomic policies and policy frameworks remain very strong. Real GDP growth is projected to accelerate to 3.5 percent in 2015. The authorities are requesting a new FCL arrangement for two years at the same level of access. In their view, the risk of a rapid rebalancing of investor portfolios away from emerging markets remains elevated. The IMF staff considers the proposed access level of SDR 47.292 billion to be appropriate. Uncertainties surrounding the global outlook, including risks related to the tightening of monetary policy in the United States, remain high.

The global economy has experienced four waves of rapid debt accumulation over the past 50 years. The first three debt waves ended with financial crises in many emerging market and developing economies. During the current wave, which started in 2010, the increase in debt in these economies has already been larger, faster, and broader-based than in the previous three waves. Current low interest rates mitigate some of the risks associated with high debt. However, emerging market and developing economies are also confronted by weak growth prospects, mounting vulnerabilities, and elevated global risks. A menu of policy options is available to reduce the likelihood that the current debt wave will end in crisis and, if crises do take place, will alleviate their impact.

This paper provides a comprehensive survey of pertinent issues on sovereign debt restructurings, based on a newly constructed database. This is the first complete dataset of sovereign restructuring cases, covering the six decades from 1950–2010; it includes 186 debt exchanges with foreign banks and bondholders, and 447 bilateral debt agreements with the Paris Club. We present new stylized facts on the outcome and process of debt restructurings, including on the size of haircuts, creditor participation, and legal aspects. In addition, the paper summarizes the relevant empirical literature, analyzes recent restructuring episodes, and discusses ongoing debates on crisis resolution mechanisms, credit default swaps, and the role of collective action clauses.