Global Central Banks Continue Gold Buying, Add 41 Tonnes in May: WGC
Gold | 2026-07-06 22:32:19
China remained another major buyer, increasing its reserves by 10 tonnes in May.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Central banks accelerated gold purchases in May 2026, adding a net 41 tonnes to official reserves, according to the latest figures released by the World Gold Council (WGC). The data highlights continued demand for gold amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.
Poland led gold purchases during the month with an addition of 18 tonnes, extending its strong buying trend. The country has acquired 64 tonnes of gold so far in 2026, bringing its total holdings to 614 tonnes.
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China remained another major buyer, increasing its reserves by 10 tonnes in May. This marked the country's 20th consecutive month of gold purchases and its largest monthly addition since late 2024. China's official gold holdings now total approximately 2,331 tonnes, representing about 9% of its foreign exchange reserves.
Other notable buyers included Uzbekistan, which purchased 9 tonnes, Kazakhstan with 7 tonnes, and Singapore, which returned to the market after several months by adding 4 tonnes. Smaller purchases were also reported by the Czech National Bank and the Central Bank of Jordan.
On the other hand, Russia reduced its holdings by 6 tonnes, while Turkey sold 3 tonnes during May.
The World Gold Council's 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey indicates that nearly 89% of surveyed central banks expect global gold reserves to increase over the next year.
POLL
Which country purchased the most gold in May 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much gold did central banks purchase in May 2026?
Central banks added a net 41 tonnes of gold to their official reserves during May 2026.
- Which countries were the biggest gold buyers?
Poland led with 18 tonnes, followed by China (10 tonnes), Uzbekistan (9 tonnes), Kazakhstan (7 tonnes), and Singapore (4 tonnes).
- Which central banks reduced their gold holdings?
Russia sold 6 tonnes of gold, while Turkey reduced its reserves by 3 tonnes during May.
