–CBL Survey Shows Gradual Movement in Official Market Rates While Currency Continues Trading Within a Narrow Range
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Liberian dollar remained broadly stable against the United States dollar during the final week of July and the opening day of August, with the latest market survey by the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) showing only modest day-to-day movements in the country’s official indicative exchange rates.
According to figures released by the CBL’s Financial Markets Department, the market buying rate rose from L$180.2399 per US$1 on July 25 to L$180.4107 per US$1 on August 1, while the selling rate increased from L$182.1465 to L$182.3244 per US$1 over the same period.
The data suggest that although the Liberian dollar experienced a slight weakening against the U.S. dollar during the week, the movement remained gradual, with the currency continuing to trade within a relatively narrow band.
Steady Week-to-Week Movement
The CBL’s published indicative market rates show a consistent but modest upward trend throughout the reporting period:
| Date | Buying Rate | Selling Rate |
| August 1 | L$180.4107 | L$182.3244 |
| July 31 | L$180.3911 | L$182.3043 |
| July 30 | L$180.3546 | L$182.2677 |
| July 29 | L$180.3188 | L$182.2312 |
| July 28 | L$180.2816 | L$182.1927 |
| July 25 | L$180.2399 | L$182.1465 |
Between July 25 and August 1:
- the buying rate increased by L$0.1708, representing a movement of less than one Liberian dollar; and
- the selling rate rose by L$0.1779.
Economists generally regard such incremental changes as indicative of a relatively stable foreign exchange market, particularly when compared with periods of sharp currency volatility.
What the Rates Mean
The buying rate reflects the average amount commercial banks, licensed foreign exchange bureaus and other market participants are willing to pay for one U.S. dollar in Liberian dollars.
The selling rate represents the average amount customers are expected to pay when purchasing U.S. dollars.
The spread between the buying and selling rates remained relatively consistent throughout the week, suggesting that foreign exchange market conditions remained orderly.
CBL: Rates Are Indicative, Not Fixed
The Central Bank emphasized that the published figures are indicative market rates and should not be interpreted as official exchange rates set by the Bank.
According to the CBL, the daily figures are compiled through surveys conducted across commercial banks, licensed forex bureaus and the parallel foreign exchange market in Monrovia and selected cities across Liberia.
“The Central Bank of Liberia does not set the rates,” the Bank noted in its market advisory, explaining that the published figures reflect prevailing market conditions rather than administrative controls.
Why Exchange Rates Matter
Exchange rate movements remain one of the most closely watched economic indicators in Liberia because of the country’s dual-currency system and heavy dependence on imported goods.
Even relatively small fluctuations in the Liberian dollar can influence:
- prices of imported food and fuel;
- transportation costs;
- wholesale and retail pricing;
- business operating costs; and
- household purchasing power.
Businesses, importers and consumers therefore monitor the CBL’s daily market surveys as a benchmark for pricing decisions and foreign currency transactions.
Market Stability Supports Economic Planning
The latest figures may provide reassurance to businesses and investors, as the absence of sharp exchange-rate swings helps improve predictability for commercial transactions and financial planning.
Currency stability also complements broader efforts by monetary authorities to maintain macroeconomic stability while supporting confidence in the Liberian dollar.
The Central Bank continues to publish daily indicative exchange rates as part of its commitment to improving transparency in Liberia’s foreign exchange market and providing timely information to businesses, investors and the general public.
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