Gabon achieved a trade surplus of $6.9 billion in 2025. This result, reached despite global trade contraction, falling oil prices, and disruptions to maritime routes, highlights the structural strength of the country’s external position.
The surplus stems from a net difference between exports of $10.73 billion and imports of $3.83 billion. With an export-to-import ratio above 2.8 to 1, Gabon holds a favourable position within the Cemac zone, where several other economies have seen their trade balances shrink due to rising freight and input costs.
The global context was unfavourable. World merchandise trade grew by only 4.6% in 2025 after contracting in 2023, and forecasts for 2026 point to a sharp slowdown to 1.4%. Against this backdrop, sustaining such a large surplus sends a positive signal to investors and institutional partners.
Gabon’s trade surplus also provides a basis to rebuild foreign exchange reserves, which stand at $1 billion, equivalent to 2.1 months of import cover. This level is below the three-month threshold recommended by the IMF, remaining a key concern for authorities. Converting the structural trade surplus into consolidated reserves is one of the most immediate macroeconomic management challenges for Libreville.
