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Global central banks (national monetary authorities) unofficial gold buying up to ~9,500 tonnes since 2010 — 64% above reported totals

Global central banks (national monetary authorities) unofficial gold buying up to ~9,500 tonnes since 2010 — 64% above reported totals

Unofficial purchases exceed official disclosures by about 3,700 tonnes, with buying accelerating in 2022.

Summary

The rush for gold by central banks (national monetary authorities) is described as unprecedented. Unofficial gold purchases are up to approximately 9,500 tonnes since 2010, which is about 3,700 tonnes (+64%) more than officially reported. Unofficial buying accelerated in 2022.

Terms & Concepts
  • Central banks: Government institutions that manage monetary policy, currency issuance, and national reserves.
  • Unofficial purchases: Transactions not captured in official reporting or disclosed datasets; totals may be estimated.
  • Gold reserves: Gold holdings maintained by governments or central banks to support currency and as reserve assets.