Central Banks Acquire 39 Tonnes of Gold in August 2026
In August 2026, global central banks collectively purchased 39 tonnes of gold, with China, Uzbekistan, and Poland leading the acquisitions.
China, Uzbekistan, and Poland were the top buyers of gold in August 2026.
Year-to-date, central banks have acquired a total of 170 tonnes of gold.
Poland is on track to reach its target of 700 tonnes, having purchased 98 tonnes this year.
In August 2026, central banks around the world continued their strong trend of gold purchases, acquiring a total of 39 tonnes. The People's Bank of China, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, and the National Bank of Poland were the most significant contributors to this total, according to Marissa Salim, Senior Research Lead for APAC at the World Gold Council. This ongoing accumulation reflects a strategic move by these institutions amid fluctuating economic conditions.
Historically, central banks have shown a consistent interest in gold as a reserve asset, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Salim noted that the current pace of gold buying aligns with trends observed from 2016 to 2025, although variations exist across different years. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic challenges may influence these purchasing decisions, warranting further analysis to understand the underlying motivations.
As of now, central banks have collectively purchased 170 tonnes of gold in 2026. Poland's National Bank was particularly active in August, acquiring 8 tonnes, bringing its total for the year to 98 tonnes. This positions Poland as a leader in gold purchases, closely followed by China, which added 20 tonnes to its reserves, totaling 80 tonnes year-to-date. China's gold reserves now constitute 9% of its total reserves, amounting to approximately 2,387 tonnes.
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan also contributed significantly, purchasing 8 tonnes in August, which brings its total acquisitions for the year close to 50 tonnes. Uzbekistan's gold reserves now account for 90% of its total reserves. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's central bank added 7 tonnes, and the Czech National Bank maintained its buying streak with an additional 2 tonnes, reflecting a broader trend among central banks to bolster their gold reserves.
Looking ahead, the ongoing demand for gold among central banks suggests that this trend may continue, especially as institutions aim to secure their financial positions against potential market volatility. Upcoming months will be critical as central banks reassess their strategies and adjust their gold holdings in response to global economic conditions.
