WGC Report: Central Bank Gold Purchases Hit 61 Tonnes in September
Gold | 2026-11-05 06:34:22
Central banks reported 228 tonnes of net gold purchases during January-September 2026, down 7% from the corresponding period in 2025.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Global central banks accelerated gold accumulation in September 2026, said the latest figures from the World Gold Council (WGC). The reported net purchases reached 61 tonnes, the highest monthly total recorded this year.
Poland and China remained the dominant buyers, accounting for most of September's reported accumulation.
The National Bank of Poland topped the list with purchases of 25 tonnes, followed by the People's Bank of China at 23 tonnes. China's buying streak extended to 23 consecutive months. Uzbekistan added 7 tonnes, Kazakhstan purchased 5 tonnes, while Jordan, the Czech Republic and Bolivia recorded purchases of 4, 2 and 1 tonne, respectively. Russia was the largest seller, disposing of 6 tonnes.
Central banks reported 228 tonnes of net gold purchases during January-September 2026, down 7% from the corresponding period in 2025.
Poland's cumulative purchases reached 123 tonnes through September, while China's holdings increased by 103 tonnes, making them the only central banks to exceed 100 tonnes of buying in 2026. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, Singapore and Chile also reported double-digit purchases. Several emerging market countries reported single-digit gold purchases during Jan-Sep ’26, WGC data said.
Meanwhile, Turkey recorded year-to-date net sales of 82 tonnes, while Russia sold 62 tonnes after nine consecutive months of reductions. Azerbaijan's State Oil Fund reported 22 tonnes of net sales year-to-date.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:
Gold Holds Key Support as Central Bank Moves, Dollar and Geopolitics Drive Market
WGC Highlights Shift in Central Bank Gold Storage Strategies
POLL
Which country was the largest central bank gold buyer in September 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much gold did global central banks purchase in September 2026?
Global central banks recorded net gold purchases of 61 tonnes in September 2026, according to the World Gold Council. This represented the highest monthly net buying total recorded in 2026, reflecting renewed strength in official-sector gold demand.
- Which central banks were the largest gold buyers in September 2026?
The National Bank of Poland was the largest buyer, adding 25 tonnes of gold to its reserves. China's People's Bank followed with 23 tonnes, extending its gold-buying streak to 23 consecutive months. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan purchased 7 tonnes and 5 tonnes, respectively.
- Which countries recorded the largest central bank gold sales in 2026?
Turkey topped the year-to-date sellers' list with net gold sales of 82 tonnes through September. Russia followed with 62 tonnes in sales after nine consecutive months of reductions, while Azerbaijan's State Oil Fund reported net sales of 22 tonnes. Russia was also September's largest seller, disposing of 6 tonnes.