Gabon recorded a trade surplus of 6.90 billion usd in 2025, according to data from the african trade report 2026 published by afreximbank. This result, achieved amid a challenging global environment marked by shrinking trade volumes, lower oil prices, and disruptions to maritime routes, reflects the structural strength of the country’s external position.
The surplus stems from a net difference between exports, which held steady at 10.73 billion usd, and imports, stable at 3.83 billion usd. With an export-to-import ratio exceeding 2.8 to 1, Gabon occupies a favourable position within the cemac zone, where several economies have seen their trade balances shrink due to rising freight and input costs.
Global conditions were not favourable. World merchandise trade grew by only 4.6% in 2025, following a contraction in 2023, and forecasts for 2026 point to a sharp slowdown to 1.4%. In this context, maintaining such a significant surplus sends a positive signal to investors and institutional partners.
Gabon’s trade surplus also provides a basis for rebuilding foreign exchange reserves, which stand at 1 billion usd — equivalent to 2.1 months of import cover. This level, below the imf-recommended threshold of three months, remains the main area of concern for policymakers. Converting a structural trade surplus into consolidated reserves is one of the most immediate macroeconomic management challenges facing Libreville.
