Brunei: economy

What is Brunei's GDP growth rate?

Brunei's GDP grew 0.02% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter of 2025, according to the GDP release for Q2 2026 from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). The non-oil and gas sector grew 0.2%, while the oil and gas sector shrank 0.2% because of scheduled maintenance in oil and gas mining.

Growth is measured at constant prices, year on year. At current prices the economy was worth BND6,074.5 million in the quarter, with oil and gas contributing 54.1%. Growth was 4.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026, so quarterly figures swing with oil and gas output.

Official sources: DEPS: Gross Domestic Product, second quarter 2026 (PDF)

What is the inflation rate in Brunei?

Consumer prices in Brunei rose 0.5% in the year to August 2026, according to the consumer price index release from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 1.7%, led by meat (5.4%) and coffee, tea and cocoa (8.8%), while non-food prices rose 0.3%.

Prices rose 0.3% between July and August. The index tracks a fixed basket of goods and services weighted by the Household Expenditure Survey. DEPS publishes the full report, appendix tables and an infographic each month.

Official sources: DEPS: Consumer Price Index, August 2026 (PDF)

How much does Brunei export?

Brunei exported goods worth BND1,613.3 million in July 2026 and imported BND1,159.2 million, a trade surplus of BND454.1 million, according to the international merchandise trade statistics of the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). Total trade was BND2,772.5 million, 46.2% more than in July 2025.

The trade surplus was 21.3% smaller than a year earlier because imports grew faster than exports. Monthly figures move with oil and gas shipments and prices; in April 2026 exports reached BND2,056.2 million. The full monthly report and data tables are on the same DEPS page.

Official sources: DEPS: International merchandise trade

What is the Brunei dollar exchange rate?

The Brunei dollar is pegged to the Singapore dollar at par, so one Brunei dollar is always worth one Singapore dollar, according to the monetary policy framework of the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB). The peg rests on a currency board and the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei and Singapore.

Under the agreement, BDCB, the Monetary Authority of Singapore and licensed banks in both countries must exchange the two currencies at par and without charge. Shops are not obliged to accept the other currency. Because of the peg, the Brunei dollar's rate against the US dollar or other currencies moves with the Singapore dollar.

Official sources: BDCB: Monetary policy framework

Is Brunei's economy growing?

The World Bank puts real GDP growth in Brunei at 0.7% in 2025. The peak was 4.1% in 2006 and the low -3.9% in 2008. It is 27th highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 3.6%. World rank, highest first: 160th of 180.

What is Brunei's GDP per person?

$32,235: that is GDP per person in Brunei for 2025, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2012, at $46,969; its low point was 2016, at $26,663. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $6,547, and Brunei placed 6th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 36th of 180.

What is Brunei's GDP per capita at PPP?

$92,430 in international dollars: that is GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Brunei for 2025, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $14,200 in international dollars, and Brunei placed 2nd highest of 29. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 8th highest.

What share of Brunei's economy is exports?

In 2025, exports of goods and services in Brunei was 71.6% of GDP, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 86.4% of GDP; its low point was 2017, at 49.6% of GDP. It is 3rd highest of 16 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 53.8% of GDP. Worldwide: 18th of 133.

What is Brunei's current account balance?

According to the IMF, the current account balance in Brunei was 18.0% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.3% of GDP (2020) to 43.6% of GDP (2008). It is 1st highest of 19 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.6% of GDP. Of 132 countries with 2025 data, 3rd highest.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Brunei?

0.4% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Brunei for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 4.7% of GDP in 2020 and the low -1.7% of GDP in 2022. It is 23rd highest of 28 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.9% of GDP. Worldwide: 148th of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in Brunei?

The IMF puts the average bank lending rate in Brunei at 5.5% in 2025. The figure has been the same every year since 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: 6.5%; Brunei is 6th highest of 10. Worldwide: 60th of 73.