Bolivia reports increase in international reserves and debt projections

The Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) reported that net international reserves reached $3,932.8 million as of September 30, 2026, marking an 8.7% increase ($315.5 million) from the end of June. This growth was primarily driven by the purchase of 4.1 tons of gold and foreign exchange operations totaling over $400 million. Total physical gold reserves now stand at 25.3 tons.

Regarding external debt, the BCB projects payments of $223 million in the fourth quarter of 2026, consisting of $151 million in principal and $72.1 million in interest and commissions. The primary creditors for this period are the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) with $110.5 million and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) with $51 million. China is scheduled to receive $11.1 million in bilateral debt payments.

As of the end of the third quarter, total external debt amounted to $14,117.2 million. The BCB noted that the debt-to-GDP ratio remains at 26.1%, which is below the 40% threshold established by international organizations. By October 2, reserves were reported at $3,966 million, including $945 million in high-liquidity resources.