Venezuela’s debt crisis deepens post-Maduro ouster, with $150–170B in debt, $82.8B GDP, and looming 50% haircut needed.

The ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has intensified global focus on the country’s $150–170 billion debt crisis, with external liabilities far exceeding its $82.8 billion 2025 GDP. Analysts estimate a minimum 50% principal haircut is needed for sustainability, as bonds trade between 27–32 cents on the dollar and some have surged 95% in 2025. Major creditors include international investors, firms like ConocoPhillips and Crystallex with arbitration awards, and bilateral lenders such as China and Russia. A formal restructuring faces hurdles from U.S. sanctions, legal claims—especially over Citgo—and political uncertainty, while Wall Street shows renewed interest in Venezuela’s oil and infrastructure despite compliance risks.