Kuwait Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Kuwait's trade openness was 95.62% in 2025, ranked 82nd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1965–2025.
Overview
Kuwait's trade openness stood at 95.62% in 2025, a decline of +0.46% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 95.62% by 2025. Kuwait ranked 82nd globally.
Kuwait’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has remained high over the 60‑year series, standing at 95.62 in 2025, which places the country at 82nd in the world. The indicator rose from an early‑period level of 90.79 in 1965 and reached its all‑time peak of 142.61 in 1991, a year marked by the aftermath of the Gulf War and a surge in reconstruction imports. A pronounced dip to a trough of 81.23 occurred in 2002, reflecting reduced oil‑related trade flows and lower global demand. Kuwait’s current openness is comparable to peer economies such as Iceland (96.00) and Puerto Rico (95.10), suggesting a similar reliance on external markets despite differing resource endowments. The modest decline from the 1990s peak indicates that diversification efforts and regional trade agreements will be pivotal; sustained investment in non‑oil sectors could lift the openness ratio further, while a reversal in oil prices would likely temper future increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 97.39% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 95.62% | - | - |
| 2025 | 95.62% | −0.46% | #82 |
| 2023 | 96.08% | +5.16% | #103 |
| 2022 | 90.92% | +8.92% | #95 |
| 2021 | 82.00% | −0.01% | #102 |
| 2020 | 82.01% | −9.67% | #116 |
| 2019 | 91.69% | −11.10% | #113 |
| 2018 | 102.79% | +4.95% | #126 |
| 2017 | 97.84% | +1.68% | #122 |
| 2016 | 96.16% | −2.54% | #122 |
| 2015 | 98.70% | −1.34% | #127 |
| 2014 | 100.04% | +2.43% | #118 |
| 2013 | 97.61% | −3.41% | #113 |
| 2012 | 101.01% | +1.89% | #112 |
| 2011 | 99.12% | +2.09% | #112 |
| 2010 | 97.03% | +8.22% | #122 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kuwait matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2012. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kuwait's trade openness was 95.62% in 2025. Ranked 82nd globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Kuwait's trade openness peaked at 142.61% in 1991.
The lowest trade openness in Kuwait was 81.23% in 2002.
Kuwait ranks 82nd globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kuwait's trade openness is projected to reach 95.62% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Kuwait in 2025 was 95.62%. This ranks 82nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kuwait_trade-openness,
title = {Kuwait Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kuwait/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}