China Selling US Treasuries 2023: Understanding the Global Economic Implications

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China's decision to sell US Treasuries has significant implications for the global economy. The value of US Treasuries held by China has been steadily decreasing since 2020.

China's reduction in US Treasury holdings has been largely driven by a shift in its foreign exchange reserves. This shift has been motivated by a desire to diversify its investments and reduce its reliance on the US dollar.

The impact of China's reduced US Treasury holdings on global markets has been noticeable. In 2022, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury note rose significantly, indicating a decrease in demand for US debt.

As China continues to sell US Treasuries, the global economy will likely feel the effects. The reduction in US Treasury holdings will lead to an increase in borrowing costs for the US government.

China's US Debt Sales

China's US debt sales have been a topic of interest lately, with data from the US Treasury Department revealing that China offloaded close to $50 billion in US Treasuries in the first quarter.

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Credit: pexels.com, China Cargo Airlines Boeing 747 flying during daytime, showcasing transportation and aviation.

This significant reduction in holdings is part of a larger trend, with China having reduced its US debt holdings by more than $100 billion in the year through to March 2023.

China's pattern of rotating out of US debt into commodities such as gold is also noteworthy, with its gold reserves rising by 27.06 tons in the first quarter, second only to Turkey's, according to the World Gold Council.

The question remains whether Beijing is dumping US debt or simply reorganizing its debt management activities, but analysts say the trend is significant, indicating a desire to mitigate risk amid the threat of US sanctions on China over trade with Russia.

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Fuel Speculation

China's US debt sales are fueling speculation about a shift away from the US dollar. China offloaded close to $50 billion in US Treasuries in the first quarter.

Talk of de-dollarization is back on the table after new data revealed China's reduced holdings by more than $100 billion in the year through to March 2023. This is a significant change.

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Credit: pexels.com, A Skyscraper with the "Port of Xiamen " sign, China

China's gold reserves rose by 27.06 tons in the first quarter, second only to Turkey's, according to the World Gold Council. This indicates a desire to mitigate risk amid the threat of US sanctions on China over trade with Russia.

The recently expanded BRICS trade bloc, in which China plays an influential role, has expressed unease over the macroeconomic dominance of the dollar. This might accelerate China's ambitions to internationalize the renminbi.

China and the BRICS alliance are the largest buyers of gold in 2022, 2023, and even 2024. Last year alone, China purchased several tonnes of gold worth $550 billion to its reserves.

China is selling US treasuries, but not everyone is convinced this represents anything aggressive. Some see it as a routine realignment of debt management activities by the world's second-largest economy.

Impact on Markets

China's US debt sales have a significant impact on markets. The sales have led to a surge in US Treasury yields, making it more expensive for the US government to borrow money.

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Credit: pexels.com, Street market scene in Xiamen, China with people shopping, cycling and stalls lining the street.

The impact on markets is evident in the rising yields of US Treasury bonds. According to the article, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note has increased by 20 basis points since China's US debt sales began.

This increase in yields has made US Treasury bonds less attractive to investors, causing their prices to drop. The value of US Treasury bonds has decreased by 1.5% since China's US debt sales started.

Investors are now seeking safer investments, such as German bonds, which have seen a significant increase in demand. This shift in investor sentiment has led to a decrease in the value of the US dollar.

The impact on markets is not limited to the US, as China's US debt sales also affect global trade and economic growth. The increased cost of borrowing for the US government could lead to a decrease in government spending and economic growth.

US Debt Ownership

The US government issues debt to finance its activities, and this debt is owned by various entities, including foreign governments, institutions, and individuals. The largest foreign owner of US debt is China, which held approximately $1.07 trillion in US Treasuries as of 2023.

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Credit: pexels.com, Authentic street view of a shop in Beijing selling traditional Chinese goods and crafts.

China's ownership of US debt is a significant aspect of the US-China economic relationship. In 2023, China's holdings of US Treasuries accounted for about 14% of the total US debt held by foreign governments.

The US government issues debt to finance its activities, and this debt is owned by various entities, including foreign governments, institutions, and individuals.

The largest foreign owner of US debt is China, which held approximately $1.07 trillion in US Treasuries as of 2023. This is a significant increase from 2022, when China's holdings were around $1.04 trillion.

China's ownership of US debt is a significant aspect of the US-China economic relationship. In 2023, China's holdings of US Treasuries accounted for about 14% of the total US debt held by foreign governments.

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Global Economic Shifts

China's US debt sales have sparked concerns about the future of the dollar as the world's reserve currency.

China offloaded close to $50 billion in US Treasuries in the first quarter, and reduced its holdings by more than $100 billion in the year through to March 2023.

Aerial shot of Xiamen Port in China showcasing cranes and cargo containers by the sea.
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial shot of Xiamen Port in China showcasing cranes and cargo containers by the sea.

The BRICS trade bloc, in which China plays an influential role, has expressed unease over the macroeconomic dominance of the dollar.

China's gold reserves rose by 27.06 tons in the first quarter, second only to Turkey's, according to the World Gold Council.

Punitive tariffs imposed by the Biden administration may be fueling Beijing's ambitions to diversify its holdings.

The United Arab Emirates' dirham has been used in India-Russia trade, bolstered by Indian officials' discomfort with using the renminbi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is buying US treasuries in 2023?

Investors in Japan and China are significant buyers of US Treasury securities, holding nearly $2 trillion, or about 7 percent of the total, as of December 2023. Japan's purchases remain steady, while China's holdings have declined over the past decade.

What percentage of US treasuries does China own?

China owns approximately 2.6% of US Treasuries, a relatively small portion of the overall debt. This is due in part to China's currency being pegged to the US dollar, which drives their investment in US debt.

Allison Emmerich

Senior Writer

Allison Emmerich is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in technology and its impact on daily life. Her work often explores the latest trends in digital payments and financial services, with a particular focus on mobile payment ATMs. Based in a bustling urban center, Allison combines her technical knowledge with a knack for clear, engaging prose to bring complex topics to a broader audience.

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