US Debt Ceiling Crisis: Here’s what the potential global impact could look like

The US debt ceiling crisis and potential default on its debt pose a severe risk to the global economy, with repercussions including job losses, market volatility, and disruptions in international trade and finance.

The United States is currently facing a critical debt ceiling crisis, as the Republican majority in the House of Representatives and the Biden administration struggle to reach a resolution. This unprecedented situation poses a severe risk of default on the nation’s debt, which experts warn would not only harm the US economy but also have significant implications for the global economy. In this article, we will explore the concept of the US debt ceiling, the ongoing crisis, and the potential impact of a US default on the world economy.

Understanding the US Debt Ceiling:

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The debt ceiling refers to the maximum amount of money that the US government is authorized to borrow to meet its financial obligations. Since 2001, the United States has been running a fiscal deficit, requiring the government to borrow funds to cover its expenses. The debt ceiling is periodically increased to allow the government to borrow more and continue functioning. However, failure to raise or suspend the debt ceiling would prevent the government from borrowing and meeting its outstanding dues.

The Ongoing Debt Ceiling Crisis:

At present, Republicans in the House and the Biden administration are deadlocked in negotiations, with each side rejecting the other’s proposals. The Republicans passed a bill in the House to increase the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion until March 31, 2024, along with certain conditions that Democrats and the Biden administration have not accepted. Republicans argue that their proposed measures are necessary for the fiscal health of the United States, while Democrats contend that they disproportionately cut welfare programs.

Potential Impact of a US Default:

A default on US debt would have disastrous consequences for the US economy. Moody’s Analytics estimates that even a breach of the debt limit for just one week would lead to a rapid weakening of the US economy, resulting in the loss of approximately 1.5 million jobs. The United States would likely experience a recession, and stock markets would become highly volatile. The 2011 debt-ceiling impasse, which was the closest the US has come to defaulting, saw the S&P 500 drop nearly 17% between July 22 and August 8.

If a government default were to extend beyond a week, the consequences would be far more severe. According to Moody’s analysis, US economic growth would decline, leading to the disappearance of 7.8 million American jobs. Borrowing rates would rise, and the unemployment rate could surge from 3.4% to 8%. Furthermore, a default would cause a stock market plunge, erasing $10 trillion in household wealth. The $24 trillion Treasury debt market could shatter, financial markets could freeze, and an international crisis could ensue.

Global Ramifications of a US Default:

A US debt default would quickly have repercussions worldwide. Chinese factories heavily reliant on exports to the United States would face a decline in orders. Swiss investors holding US Treasurys would suffer losses, while businesses in countries like Sri Lanka, unable to use dollars as an alternative currency, would face challenges in trade and transactions. The US dollar, accounting for 58% of global central bank foreign exchange reserves, plays a crucial role in international trade and finance.

The widespread use of the US dollar creates vulnerabilities for countries across the globe. In unstable economies, businesses often demand payment in dollars rather than their own currency due to the reliability of the US dollar. In the event of a default, the dollar’s value would initially rise as investors seek a safe haven. However, the Treasury market would likely freeze, causing investors to redirect their money to other US assets or money market funds. Over time, doubts about the dollar’s stability would decrease its value.

Conclusion:

The ongoing US debt ceiling crisis poses a significant risk to both the US and global economies. A default on US debt would have far-reaching consequences