Brunei Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in brunei, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Brunei Darussalam is a Southeast Asian, oil-rich Sultanate on the northern coast of Borneo. A British protectorate until 1984, it boasts a well-educated and largely English-speaking population, excellent infrastructure, and a government focused on diversifying the economy and bringing foreign investment into the country. 

Despite repeated calls for diversification, Brunei’s economy remains overwhelmingly dependent on the income derived from the sale of oil and gas and downstream products, which represents 80 percent of Brunei’s total exports and 53.5 percent of the country’s GDP. Additionally, substantial revenue from the government’s overseas investments supplements income from domestic hydrocarbon production. These revenue streams provide a comfortable quality of life for Brunei’s population. Citizens pay no taxes and receive free education through the university level, free medical care, and subsidized housing. 

Brunei’s central location in Southeast Asia, with good telecommunications and airline connections; no personal income, sales or export taxes, and its stable political situation, offer a welcoming climate for would-be investors. Brunei encourages foreign direct investment (FDI) in its domestic economy through various investment incentives offered by the Ministry of Finance and Economy as well as through activities conducted by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). Additionally, a low crime rate, good schools, housing, and sports facilities as well as low utility costs make Brunei an attractive location for short and long-term residence. Life in Brunei reflects the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy. 

Brunei has no sovereign debt, domestic or foreign, and has not been the recipient of economic aid. Despite importing most consumer goods and food, Brunei’s large oil exports keep its trade balance positive. The Brunei dollar is pegged to the Singapore dollar at a one-to-one ratio, and the Singapore dollar is legal tender in the Sultanate. 

The largest destinations for Brunei exports (mostly mineral fuels) for 2022 were Australia, Japan, and China. . The largest sources of imports to Brunei were from Malaysia, UAE, and China..  The largest export sectors by market value were mineral fuels, chemicals, and machinery and transport equipment. The largest import sectors by market value were machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, and food. 

In 2021, total trade between the United States and Brunei was US $203.3 million. The 2022 U.S. trade surplus with Brunei was US $22.5million: exports totaled US $112.9 million while imports totaled US $90.4 million. 

More information on U.S.-Brunei trade figures can be found at the U.S. Census website. 

Political & Economic Environment:  State Department’s website for background on the country’s political environment.

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