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Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries rise $18 billion in May to $9.37 trillion

Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries rise $18 billion in May to $9.37 trillion

The total reached the second-highest level on record, even as Japan, the largest foreign holder, cut its position by $67 billion.

Fact Check
The primary U.S. Treasury TIC Table 5 confirms the May 2026 Grand Total of foreign holdings at $9,371.1 billion ($9.37T) and Japan at $1,143.1 billion ($1.14T). Financial Post, reporting the same Treasury data, confirms the $18.5B monthly increase to $9.37T described as the second-largest on record, and Japan's $66.8B decrease, which rounds to the claimed $67 billion cut. The claim's stated figures — $18B rise, $9.37T total, second-highest on record, Japan as largest holder cutting ~$67B — all match the authoritative sources.
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Summary

Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries increased by $18 billion in May to $9.37 trillion, marking the second-highest level on record. Over the last 12 months, total foreign holdings have risen by $549 billion. Japan, identified as the largest foreign holder, reduced its Treasury holdings by $67 billion. The figures point to continued overseas demand for U.S. government debt, even as the biggest holder trimmed exposure.

Terms & Concepts
  • U.S. Treasuries: Debt securities issued by the U.S. government.