Libya Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
Libya's trade balance was $12.8B in 2025, ranked 35th globally. This represents a 74.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Libya's trade balance stood at $12.8B in 2025, a rise of +$5.4B from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $12.8B by 2025. Libya ranked 35th globally.
Libya’s trade balance has risen sharply from 2,472,658,443.31 in 1990 to a positive 12,766,195,804.21 in 2025, placing the country 35th globally and close to peers such as Canada (12,938,757,565.62) and Hong Kong SAR, China (12,603,112,569.34). The dramatic expansion reflects a post‑civil‑war recovery that lifted surplus levels from a historic low of –6,912,359,458.72 in 2014, when sanctions and disrupted oil exports turned the balance sharply negative. The all‑time high of 39,010,528,277.28 in 2008, achieved during a period of robust oil revenues and stable production, remains far above current figures, indicating that Libya has not yet recaptured its former export dominance. Over the 36‑year series, the upward trajectory suggests that sustained investment in oil infrastructure and diversification of non‑hydrocarbon exports could further improve the surplus, while renewed political stability would be essential to restore the 2008 peak level.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $17.5B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $15.2B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $12.8B | - | - |
| 2025 | $12.8B | +$5.4B | #35 |
| 2024 | $7.3B | +$762.5M | #119 |
| 2023 | $6.6B | −$5.4B | #131 |
| 2022 | $12.0B | +$5.0B | #152 |
| 2021 | $7.0B | +$11.8B | #142 |
| 2020 | $-4.8B | −$8.8B | #28 |
| 2019 | $4.0B | −$7.9B | #141 |
| 2018 | $11.8B | +$7.2B | #154 |
| 2017 | $4.6B | +$10.6B | #149 |
| 2016 | $-6.0B | +$98.7M | #24 |
| 2015 | $-6.1B | +$847.0M | #26 |
| 2014 | $-6.9B | −$17.0B | #21 |
| 2013 | $10.1B | −$22.7B | #149 |
| 2012 | $32.9B | +$26.5B | #161 |
| 2011 | $6.4B | −$19.6B | #137 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Libya matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Libya's trade balance was $12.8B in 2025. Ranked 35th globally. This represents a 74.1% increase from the previous year.
Libya's trade balance peaked at $39.0B in 2008.
The lowest trade balance in Libya was $-6.9B in 2014.
Libya ranks 35th globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Libya's trade balance is projected to reach $12.8B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Libya's trade balance was approximately 12.77 billion ($12.8B) in 2025.
The trade balance of Libya in 2025 was $12.8B. This ranks 35th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_libya_trade-balance,
title = {Libya Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/libya/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}