Gabon posts $6.90 billion trade surplus in 2025, showcasing economic resilience

Gabon recorded a trade surplus of $6.90 billion in 2025, according to the African Trade Report 2026 published by Afreximbank. This result was achieved despite a global environment marked by shrinking trade, falling oil prices, and disruptions on maritime routes, underscoring the structural strength of the country’s external position.

The surplus stems from a net differential between exports, which held steady at $10.73 billion, and imports, which remained stable at $3.83 billion. With an export-to-import ratio exceeding 2.8 to 1, Gabon enjoys a favorable standing within the CEMAC zone, where several economies have seen their trade balances squeezed by rising freight and input costs.

The global backdrop was far from supportive. World merchandise trade grew only 4.6% in 2025 after a contraction in 2023, and projections 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 foundation for rebuilding foreign exchange reserves, which currently stand at $1 billion, covering 2.1 months of imports. This level falls short of the three-month threshold recommended by the IMF, making it the main area of concern for authorities. Converting a structural trade surplus into solid reserves is one of the most pressing macroeconomic management challenges facing Libreville.