What does the United States import from Brunei?

America imported $105M in goods from Brunei in 2025. The largest categories: Petroleum products, other, U.s. goods returned, and reimports, Drilling & oilfield equipment, Industrial machines, other.

What tariffs does the U.S. have on Brunei?

The most recent U.S. tariff action toward Brunei (2026-02-24): IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122.

Country exposure · BN

Brunei

East N Southeast Asia · Bandar Seri Begawan · absolute monarchy or sultanate

What Brunei means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.

$105M

U.S. imports, 2025

-55.8%

change in one year

$100M

U.S. exports, 2025

492K

Population

$15.5B

GDP

In your house

What you buy that Brunei makes

America bought $105M in goods from Brunei in 2025 — down 55.8% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.

Petroleum products, other

gasoline and petroleum products

$76M72.1%

U.s. goods returned, and reimports

$9M8.2%

Drilling & oilfield equipment

$8M7.7%

Industrial machines, other

$5M4.5%

Apparel, household goods - cotton

cotton clothing and linens

$3M2.4%

Gem diamonds

$2M1.4%

Finished metal shapes

$1M1.1%

Apparel, textiles, nonwool or cotton

synthetic and performance apparel

$730K0.7%

Chemicals-organic

$444K0.4%

Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.

cell phones and home electronics

$394K0.4%

2026 so far (through April): $4M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).

The other direction

What America sells to Brunei

$100M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.

Industrial engines

$17M

Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts

$13M

Industrial machines, other

$8M

Minimum value shipments

$7M

Electric apparatus

$6M

Measuring, testing, control instruments

$6M

Parts for military-type goods

$6M

Telecommunications equipment

$2M

phones, routers, networking gear

Medicinal equipment

$2M

medical devices and equipment

Where you stand

U.S. tariff posture toward Brunei

Brunei was assigned 24% in April 2025 and, unusually, saw it nudged up to 25% in August despite negotiations — no bilateral deal was reached, unlike Southeast Asian neighbors Vietnam and Indonesia. Brunei's economy is dominated by oil and gas, which fall under the universal energy carve-out, limiting real exposure to the headline rate. Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions, Feb 20, 2026) terminated the IEEPA reciprocal duties, and Proclamation 11012 replaced it with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge effective February 24, 2026; energy imports remain exempt. Brunei has no Section 232 steel/aluminum exposure.

Reciprocal tariff (assigned — terminated)

24%

The rate this country was assigned under the EO 14257 reciprocal Annex — no longer in force. The Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs and they were terminated February 24, 2026 (EO 14389), replaced by a universal ~10% Section 122 surcharge. See the timeline below for the current effective rate.

Policy in motion

Tariff status: a moving target

U.S. tariff policy toward Brunei has changed 4 times since 2025. This page tracks it.

2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122
In effect
Executive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties effective February 24, 2026, replacing Brunei's 25% reciprocal rate with a 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge under Proclamation 11012 (capped at 150 days); energy imports remain exempt.
91 FR 9437 →
2025-08-07
Rate set at 25% — no deal reached
In effect
Executive Order 14326 set the post-pause Annex I reciprocal rates; Brunei's rate was set at 25% effective August 7, 2025 — marginally above the 24% threatened in April — with no bilateral agreement, the energy carve-out leaving its oil and gas exports untouched.
90 FR 37963 →
2025-04-10
Elevated reciprocal rates paused to 10% for 90 days
In effect
Executive Order 14266 suspended the higher country-specific reciprocal rates — including Brunei's 24% — back to the 10% baseline for 90 days to allow negotiations.
90 FR 15625 →
2025-04-05
Reciprocal tariff regime begins — Brunei assigned 24%
In effect
Executive Order 14257 imposed a 10% universal reciprocal duty effective April 5 and a 24% country-specific rate for Brunei scheduled to take effect April 9 — though oil and gas, the bulk of Brunei's exports, fall under the energy carve-out.
90 FR 15041 →

Compare all countries’ tariffs →Your tariff impact →

Made for America

What Brunei makes for America

Brunei is a direct U.S. source of 2 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.

energy

Gasoline and diesel

$39M to the U.S.

materials

Steel and iron products

$8M to the U.S.

Reference

The country itself

East N Southeast Asia · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.

The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy subsequently brought on a period of decline. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries, and in 2017, the country celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal BOLKIAH’s accession to the throne. Brunei has one of the highest per-capita GDPs in the world, thanks to extensive petroleum and natural gas fields.

Geography

Location: Southeastern Asia, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia
Area: 5,765 sq km
Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy
Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber
Coastline: 161 km
Natural hazards: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

People & society

Population: 491,900 (2024 est.)
Nationality: Bruneian(s)
Ethnic groups: Malay 67.4%, Chinese 9.6%, other 23% (2021 est.)
Languages: Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects
Religions: Muslim (official) 82.1%, Christian 6.7%, Buddhist 6.3%, other 4.9% (2021 est.)
Median age: 32.6 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 78.9 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Economic overview: almost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchange
Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation
Agricultural products: chicken, eggs, fruits, vegetables, rice, bananas, beans, cucumbers/gherkins, pineapples, beef (2023)
Exports - partners: Australia 21%, Japan 17%, China 17%, Singapore 16%, Malaysia 6% (2023)
Imports - partners: Malaysia 23%, UAE 10%, China 10%, UK 10%, Australia 6% (2023)

Government

Government type: absolute monarchy or sultanate
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
Independence: 1 January 1984 (from the UK)
Constitution: drafted 1954 to 1959, signed 29 September 1959
Executive branch: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)
Legislative branch: Legislative Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Negara)

Full reference data

Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.

Introduction

Background

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Brunei. Consult the State Department website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 90 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

[673] 238-4616; US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan; Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Duta, Bandar Seri Begawan, BC4115 Brunei Darussalam; https://bn.usembassy.gov/; ConsularBrunei@state.gov

Telephone Code

673

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 991; Fire: 995; Police: 993

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Currency (Code)

Brunei dollars (BND)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

240 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages

Malay, English, Chinese

Major Religions

Muslim 78.8%, Christian 8.7%, Buddhist 7.8%

Time Difference

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Muara Beach; Jerudong Park Playground; Gadong Night Market; Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque; Ulu Temburong National Park; Royal Regalia Museum; Tasek Merimbun

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball

Cultural Practices

In Brunei, it is impolite to point with one's index finger; instead use the right thumb.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not customary. Large hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.

Souvenirs

Kris ceremonial daggers, native costumes and textiles, silver work, brass items, spices

Traditional Cuisine

Ambuyat — a starchy substance derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm, which is dipped into a variety of sauces

CIA source last updated

Wednesday, October 05, 2022

Travel resources

Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022

Geography

Location

Southeastern Asia, along the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia

Geographic coordinates

4 30 N, 114 40 E

Map references

Southeast Asia

Area - total

5,765 sq km

Area - land

5,265 sq km

Area - water

500 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries - total

266 km

Land boundaries - border countries

Malaysia 266 km

Coastline

161 km

Maritime claims - territorial sea

12 nm

Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone

200 nm or to median line

Climate

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Terrain

flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Elevation - highest point

Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Elevation - lowest point

South China Sea 0 m

Elevation - mean elevation

478 m

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, timber

Land use - agricultural land

2.5% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 0.6% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

72.1% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

25.4% (2023 est.)

Irrigated land

10 sq km (2012)

Population distribution

the vast majority of the population is found along the coast in the western part of Brunei, which is separated from the eastern portion by Malaysia; the largest population concentration is in the far north on the western side of the Brunei Bay, in and around the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan

Natural hazards

typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Geography - note

close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; the eastern part, the Temburong district, is an exclave and is almost an enclave within Malaysia

People and Society

Population - total

491,900 (2024 est.)

Population - male

239,140

Population - female

252,760

Nationality - noun

Bruneian(s)

Nationality - adjective

Bruneian

Ethnic groups

Malay 67.4%, Chinese 9.6%, other 23% (2021 est.)

Languages - Languages

Malay (Bahasa Melayu) (official), English, Chinese dialects

Languages - major-language sample(s)

Buku Fakta Dunia, sumber yang diperlukan untuk maklumat asas. (Malay) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Religions

Muslim (official) 82.1%, Christian 6.7%, Buddhist 6.3%, other 4.9% (2021 est.)

Age structure - 0-14 years

21.7% (male 54,924/female 51,710)

Age structure - 15-64 years

70.8% (male 166,289/female 182,011)

Age structure - 65 years and over

7.5% (2024 est.) (male 17,927/female 19,039)

Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio

41.2 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio

30.6 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio

10.6 (2024 est.)

Dependency ratios - potential support ratio

9.4 (2024 est.)

Median age - total

32.6 years (2025 est.)

Median age - male

31.4 years

Median age - female

33.1 years

Population growth rate

1.37% (2025 est.)

Birth rate

15.58 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Death rate

3.96 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Net migration rate

2.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)

Population distribution

Urbanization - urban population

79.1% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

1.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Major urban areas - population

266,682 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (capital) (2021)

Major urban areas - population - note

note: the boundaries of the capital city were expanded in 2007, greatly increasing the city area; the population of the capital increased tenfold

Sex ratio - at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 0-14 years

1.06 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 15-64 years

0.91 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - 65 years and over

0.94 male(s)/female

Sex ratio - total population

0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Maternal mortality ratio

36 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)

Infant mortality rate - total

9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Infant mortality rate - male

12.2 deaths/1,000 live births

Infant mortality rate - female

7.7 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth - total population

78.9 years (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth - male

76.5 years

Life expectancy at birth - female

81.3 years

Total fertility rate

1.73 children born/woman (2025 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.85 (2025 est.)

Drinking water source - improved: total

total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)

Drinking water source - unimproved: urban

urban: 0.4% of population

Drinking water source - unimproved: rural

rural: 0% of population

Drinking water source - unimproved: total

total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)

2.2% of GDP (2021)

Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)

6.4% of national budget (2022 est.)

Physician density

1.89 physicians/1,000 population (2021)

Hospital bed density

3.9 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)

Sanitation facility access - improved: total

total: 99.5% of population (2022 est.)

Sanitation facility access - unimproved: total

total: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

14.1% (2016)

Alcohol consumption per capita - total

0.69 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - beer

0.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - wine

0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits

0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols

0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Tobacco use - total

17% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - male

31.2% (2025 est.)

Tobacco use - female

1.9% (2025 est.)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)

4.4% of GDP (2016 est.)

Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)

11.4% national budget (2016 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - total

14 years (2023 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - male

13 years (2023 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) - female

14 years (2023 est.)

Government

Country name - conventional long form

Brunei Darussalam

Country name - conventional short form

Brunei

Country name - local long form

Negara Brunei Darussalam

Country name - local short form

Brunei

Country name - etymology

derivation of the name is unclear; the name may come from the Sanskrit word bhumi , meaning "land" or "region"

Government type

absolute monarchy or sultanate

Capital - name

Bandar Seri Begawan

Capital - geographic coordinates

4 53 N, 114 56 E

Capital - time difference

UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Capital - etymology

named in 1970 after Sultan Omar Ali SAIFUDDIEN III (1914-1986), who adopted the title of "Seri Begawan" (approximately meaning "honored lord") when he abdicated in 1967; "bandar" means "city" or "port" in Malay; the capital had previously been called Bandar Brunei (Brunei City)

Administrative divisions

4 districts ( daerah-daerah , singular - daerah ); Belait, Brunei dan Muara, Temburong, Tutong

Legal system

mixed legal system based on English common law and Islamic law

Legal system - note

note: in 2019, sharia penal codes came into force and apply to Muslims and partly to non-Muslims in parallel with common law codes

Constitution - history

drafted 1954 to 1959, signed 29 September 1959

Constitution - amendment process

proposed by the monarch; passage requires submission to the Privy Council for Legislative Council review and finalization takes place by proclamation; the monarch can accept or reject changes to the original proposal provided by the Legislative Council

Constitution - note

note: some constitutional provisions suspended since 1962 under a state of emergency, others suspended since independence in 1984

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICC

Citizenship - citizenship by birth

Citizenship - citizenship by descent only

the father must be a citizen of Brunei

Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized

Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization

12 years

Suffrage

18 years of age for village elections; universal

Executive branch - chief of state

Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)

Executive branch - head of government

Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967)

Executive branch - cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch

Executive branch - election/appointment process

none; the monarchy is hereditary

Executive branch - note

note 1: the monarch is both chief of state and head of government, as well as Minister of Finance, Defense, and Foreign Affairs and Trade note 2: 4 additional advisory councils appointed by the monarch are the Religious Council, Privy Council for Constitutional Issues, Council of Succession, and Legislative Council

Legislative branch - legislature name

Legislative Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Negara)

Legislative branch - legislative structure

unicameral

Legislative branch - number of seats

45 (all appointed)

Legislative branch - electoral system

plurality/majority

Legislative branch - scope of elections

full renewal

Legislative branch - term in office

5 years

Legislative branch - most recent election date

1/20/2023

Legislative branch - percentage of women in chamber

11.4%

Legislative branch - expected date of next election

January 2028

Judicial branch - highest court(s)

Supreme Court (consists of the Court of Appeal and the High Court, each with a chief justice and 2 judges); Sharia Court (consists the Court of Appeals and the High Court)

Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office

Supreme Court judges appointed by the monarch to serve until age 65, and older if approved by the monarch; Sharia Court judges appointed by the monarch for life

Judicial branch - subordinate courts

Intermediate Court; Magistrates' Courts; Juvenile Court; small claims courts; lower sharia courts

Judicial branch - note

note: Brunei has a dual judicial system of secular and sharia (religious) courts; the Judicial Committee of Privy Council (in London) serves as the final appellate court for civil cases only

Political parties

National Development Party or NDP

Political parties - note

note: the NDP is Brunei’s only registered party, but does not have representation in the Legislative Council, which is appointed

Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires IZZATI Baharuddin (since 6 May 2025)

Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery

3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone

[1] (202) 237-1838

Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX

[1] (202) 885-0560

Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website

info@bruneiembassy.org http://www.bruneiembassy.org/index.html

Diplomatic representation in the US - consulate(s)

New York

Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission

Ambassador Caryn R. McCLELLAND (since December 2021)

Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy

Simpang 336-52-16-9, Jalan Duta, Bandar Seri Begawan, BC4115

Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address

4020 Bandar Seri Begawan Place, Washington DC 20521-4020

Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone

(673) 238-7400

Diplomatic representation from the US - FAX

(673) 238-7533

Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website

ConsularBrunei@state.gov https://bn.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation

ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, CP, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Independence

1 January 1984 (from the UK)

National holiday

National Day, 23 February (1984)

National holiday - note

note: 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection; the Sultan's birthday, 15 June

Flag

description: yellow with a diagonal white band and second below it in black, both starting from the upper left; the national emblem in red is at the center; the state motto, "Always render service with God's guidance," appears in yellow Arabic script on the emblem's crescent; a ribbon below the crescent reads "Brunei, the Abode of Peace" meaning: yellow symbolizes the sultanate, and the white and black bands stand for the chief ministers; the emblem includes a royal umbrella (the monarchy), two wings with four feathers (justice, tranquility, prosperity, and peace), two upraised hands (the government's pledge to preserve and promote the people's welfare), and the crescent moon of Islam (the state religion)

National symbol(s)

royal parasol

National color(s)

yellow, white, black

National anthem(s) - title

"Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (God Bless His Majesty)

National anthem(s) - lyrics/music

Pengiran Haji Mohamed YUSUF bin Pengiran Abdul Rahim/Awang Haji BESAR bin Sagap

National anthem(s) - history

adopted 1951

Economy

Economic overview

almost exclusively an oil and gas economy; high income country; expansive and robust welfare system; the majority of the population works for the government; promulgating a nationalized halal brand; considering establishment of a bond market and stock exchange

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024

$36.64 billion (2024 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023

$35.163 billion (2023 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022

$34.771 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024

4.2% (2024 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023

1.1% (2023 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022

-1.6% (2022 est.)

Real GDP growth rate - note

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024

$79,200 (2024 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023

$76,600 (2023 est.)

Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022

$76,400 (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita - note

note: data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate)

$15.463 billion (2024 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate) - note

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024

-0.4% (2024 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023

0.4% (2023 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022

3.7% (2022 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture

1.2% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry

61.7% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services

38.7% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption

28.5% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption

23% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital

28.2% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories

0.2% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services

74.3% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services

-58.9% (2024 est.)

GDP - composition, by end use - note

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products

chicken, eggs, fruits, vegetables, rice, bananas, beans, cucumbers/gherkins, pineapples, beef (2023)

Agricultural products - note

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Industries

petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, transportation

Industrial production growth rate

5.7% (2024 est.)

Industrial production growth rate - note

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force

233,500 (2024 est.)

Labor force - note

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024

5.2% (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023

5.2% (2023 est.)

Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022

5.2% (2022 est.)

Unemployment rate - note

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total

18.5% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male

16.5% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female

21.6% (2024 est.)

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Remittances - Remittances 2023

0% of GDP (2023 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2022

0% of GDP (2022 est.)

Remittances - Remittances 2021

0% of GDP (2021 est.)

Remittances - note

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Budget - revenues

$1.058 billion (2020 est.)

Budget - expenditures

$3.189 billion (2020 est.)

Public debt - Public debt 2017

2.8% of GDP (2017 est.)

Public debt - note

note: central government debt as a % of GDP

Current account balance - Current account balance 2024

$2.23 billion (2024 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2023

$1.944 billion (2023 est.)

Current account balance - Current account balance 2022

$3.256 billion (2022 est.)

Current account balance - note

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Exports - Exports 2024

$11.483 billion (2024 est.)

Exports - Exports 2023

$11.573 billion (2023 est.)

Exports - Exports 2022

$14.405 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - note

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners

Australia 21%, Japan 17%, China 17%, Singapore 16%, Malaysia 6% (2023)

Exports - partners - note

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Exports - commodities

refined petroleum, natural gas, crude petroleum, hydrocarbons, fertilizers (2023)

Exports - commodities - note

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Imports - Imports 2024

$9.11 billion (2024 est.)

Imports - Imports 2023

$9.077 billion (2023 est.)

Imports - Imports 2022

$10.099 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - note

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners

Malaysia 23%, UAE 10%, China 10%, UK 10%, Australia 6% (2023)

Imports - partners - note

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Imports - commodities

crude petroleum, gold, refined petroleum, coal, cars (2023)

Imports - commodities - note

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024

$4.414 billion (2024 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023

$4.483 billion (2023 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022

$5.035 billion (2022 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Exchange rates - Currency

Bruneian dollars (BND) per US dollar -

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024

1.336 (2024 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023

1.343 (2023 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022

1.379 (2022 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021

1.344 (2021 est.)

Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020

1.38 (2020 est.)

Energy

Electricity access - electrification - total population

100% (2022 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

904,000 kW (2023 est.)

Electricity - consumption

5.081 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity - transmission/distribution losses

502.188 million kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels

99.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources - solar

0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Coal - consumption

841,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Coal - imports

841,000 metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum - total petroleum production

95,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption

15,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves

1.1 billion barrels (2021 est.)

Natural gas - production

10.093 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

3.911 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Natural gas - exports

5.733 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Natural gas - proven reserves

260.515 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023

403.365 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions

122,000 (2023 est.)

Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

26 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions

582,919 (2023 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

118 (2024 est.)

Broadcast media

state-controlled Radio Television Brunei (RTB) operates 5 channels; 3 Malaysian TV stations are available; foreign TV broadcasts are available via satellite systems; RTB operates 5 radio networks and broadcasts on multiple frequencies; British Forces Broadcast Service (BFBS) provides radio broadcasts on 2 FM stations; some radio broadcast stations from Malaysia are available via repeaters

Internet country code

.bn

Internet users - percent of population

99% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total

93,000 (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

20 (2023 est.)

Transportation

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

Airports

2 (2025)

Heliports

14 (2025)

Merchant marine - total

97 (2023)

Merchant marine - by type

general cargo 18, oil tanker 2, other 77

Ports - total ports

5 (2024)

Ports - large

Ports - medium

Ports - small

Ports - very small

Ports - ports with oil terminals

Ports - key ports

Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Lumut, Muara Harbor, Seria Oil Loading Terminal

Military and Security

Military and security forces

Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) or Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB): Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) (2025)

Military and security forces - note

note 1: the Gurkha Security Unit under the Ministry of Defense is a special guard force for the Sultan, the royal family, and the country’s oil installations note 2: the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) is under the Prime Minister's Office

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023

3% of GDP (2023 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022

2.6% of GDP (2022 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021

3.1% of GDP (2021 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020

3.7% of GDP (2020 est.)

Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2019

3.1% of GDP (2019 est.)

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 7,000 active Armed Forces (2025)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the military's s inventory includes equipment and weapons systems from a variety of suppliers from Asia, Europe, and the US (2025)

Military service age and obligation

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service (2025)

Military service age and obligation - note

note: the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) employs hundreds of Gurkhas from Nepal, the majority of whom are veterans of the British Army and the Singapore Police Force who have joined the GRU as a second career

Military - note

the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) are responsible for ensuring the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as countering outside aggression, terrorism, and insurgency Brunei has a long-standing defense relationship with the UK and hosts a British Army garrison, which includes a Gurkha battalion and a jungle warfare school; Brunei also has close security ties with Singapore and hosts a Singaporean military training detachment the RBAF was formed in 1961 with British support as the Brunei Malay Regiment; "Royal" was added as an honorary title in 1965 and its current name was given in 1984 (2025)

Transnational Issues

Refugees and internally displaced persons - stateless persons

20,863 (2024 est.)

Trafficking in persons - tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List — Brunei does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so, therefore Brunei was upgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/brunei/

Environment

Environmental issues

air pollution, including seasonal haze from forest fires in Indonesia

International environmental agreements - party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Climate

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Land use - agricultural land

2.5% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: arable land

arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops

permanent crops: 1.1% (2023 est.)

Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture

permanent pasture: 0.6% (2023 est.)

Land use - forest

72.1% (2023 est.)

Land use - other

25.4% (2023 est.)

Urbanization - urban population

79.1% of total population (2023)

Urbanization - rate of urbanization

1.44% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions

10.823 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from coal and metallurgical coke

998,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids

2.175 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas

7.65 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Particulate matter emissions

7.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

Methane emissions - energy

50.5 kt (2022-2024 est.)

Methane emissions - agriculture

0.9 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Methane emissions - waste

9.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Methane emissions - other

0.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)

Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually

216,300 tons (2024 est.)

Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled

20% (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - municipal

151.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total water withdrawal - agricultural

5.3 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

Total renewable water resources

8.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

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