(Bandar Seri Begawan, 31st) Despite a significant increase in export volume, Brunei's total export value for the fourth quarter of 2025 saw a slight decline, reflecting weaker prices of major commodities.
According to data from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS), the export value for the fourth quarter of 2025 stood at BND 3.33 billion, a decrease of 1.1% compared to BND 3.37 billion in the same period last year.
Although the export volume index grew 9.3% year-on-year—mainly driven by increases in exports of mineral fuels (especially petroleum products), chemicals, and manufactured goods—the overall export value still declined.
However, the export unit value index dropped by 2.6%, dragging down the total export value and indicating falling prices in multiple categories. The price decrease was mainly attributed to food (especially fish, vegetables, and fruits), as well as chemicals and various manufactured goods.
On an annual basis, this trend is even more pronounced. In 2025, total export value fell by 10.5% year-on-year to BND 13.45 billion, compared to BND 15.03 billion in 2024. The main cause of the export contraction was a substantial 12.8% decline in the unit value index, alongside a 2.1% decrease in export volume.
The weakness in export prices is primarily associated with mineral fuels, chemicals, and machinery and transport equipment, highlighting continued volatility in the global commodity market.
In contrast, imports presented a markedly different picture in the fourth quarter. Total import value for the fourth quarter of 2025 rose by 5.8% year-on-year to BND 2.25 billion, thanks to moderate growth in both import volume and unit value index.
Import growth was mainly driven by increased demand for mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, as well as chemicals, while miscellaneous manufactured goods—particularly professional and scientific instruments—saw price increases.
Although there was quarter-on-quarter growth, the total import value for the full year still declined by 11.6% to BND 8.62 billion, reflecting drops in both import volumes and prices.
The International Merchandise Trade Index (IMTI) tracks changes in trade commodity volumes and unit values, highlighting the differences between quantity and price trends, and providing key insights into Brunei's external trade performance and global competitiveness.
Although the export volume index grew 9.3% year-on-year—mainly driven by increases in exports of mineral fuels (especially petroleum products), chemicals, and manufactured goods—the overall export value still declined.
However, the export unit value index dropped by 2.6%, dragging down the total export value and indicating falling prices in multiple categories. The price decrease was mainly attributed to food (especially fish, vegetables, and fruits), as well as chemicals and various manufactured goods.
On an annual basis, this trend is even more pronounced. In 2025, total export value fell by 10.5% year-on-year to BND 13.45 billion, compared to BND 15.03 billion in 2024. The main cause of the export contraction was a substantial 12.8% decline in the unit value index, alongside a 2.1% decrease in export volume.
The weakness in export prices is primarily associated with mineral fuels, chemicals, and machinery and transport equipment, highlighting continued volatility in the global commodity market.
In contrast, imports presented a markedly different picture in the fourth quarter. Total import value for the fourth quarter of 2025 rose by 5.8% year-on-year to BND 2.25 billion, thanks to moderate growth in both import volume and unit value index.
Import growth was mainly driven by increased demand for mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, as well as chemicals, while miscellaneous manufactured goods—particularly professional and scientific instruments—saw price increases.
Although there was quarter-on-quarter growth, the total import value for the full year still declined by 11.6% to BND 8.62 billion, reflecting drops in both import volumes and prices.
The International Merchandise Trade Index (IMTI) tracks changes in trade commodity volumes and unit values, highlighting the differences between quantity and price trends, and providing key insights into Brunei's external trade performance and global competitiveness.