Kazakhstan enters top five central bank gold buyers in Q2 2026
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan increased its gold reserves by 15 tonnes in the second quarter of 2026, placing it among the world's top five central bank buyers. Global central banks bought a total of 289 tonnes of gold, up 62% from the same period last year, even as the metal's price declined during the quarter.
The Global Ranking
Poland led central bank purchases with 51 tonnes added to its reserves, followed by China with 33 tonnes. Uzbekistan bought 16 tonnes, while Kazakhstan acquired 15 tonnes. Jordan and the Czech Republic each added 6 tonnes, rounding out the top buyers.
Drivers of Demand
The World Gold Council linked the increased buying to heightened geopolitical uncertainty, a decline in gold's price during the quarter, and a push by nations to diversify their international reserves. Total net purchases by central banks reached around 289 tonnes in the second quarter, a 62 percent increase from the roughly 178 tonnes bought in the same period of 2025.
Central Bank Sentiment
A World Gold Council survey found that 89% of central bank representatives expect global gold reserves to increase within the next 12 months. Of those, 45% intend to boost their own holdings. The council suggested that interest in gold among central banks may remain strong.
What's Next
The World Gold Council's next quarterly report will provide data on whether central banks maintained their buying pace. It remains unclear if gold's price trajectory will shift and dampen demand.
3 sources
Kazakhstan enters top five central bank gold buyers in Q2 2026
