Bolivia: Economy and Trade

Bolivia's economy is closely tied to natural resource extraction, particularly natural gas, tin, zinc, and silver, along with substantial lithium reserves concentrated in the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Agriculture, including soybean production in the eastern lowlands and coca cultivation in the Yungas and Chapare regions, also plays a significant economic role, alongside a large informal sector.

Trade relationships center on regional partners within South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina as major destinations for natural gas exports, alongside growing commercial ties to China. Bolivia participates in regional integration through the Andean Community and holds associate status with Mercosur, while its landlocked status since the loss of its Pacific coastline in the War of the Pacific continues to shape trade logistics and an ongoing diplomatic dispute with Chile.