China Makes Biggest Treasury Purchase in Six Months in February

China increased its Treasury holdings in February by $5.8 billion, its biggest purchase in six months. On the other hand, Japan's Treasury holdings fell.

According to the Treasury, China's Treasury holdings increased to just under $1.18 trillion. Foreign net buying of Treasurys was $43.2 billion for the month.

As trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalates, so has rumors that the Chinese government could reduce purchases of Treasuries or even sell some of its holdings. The Trump administration on March 1 announced tariffs on aluminum and steel, which affect China. The U.S. also announced its intention to put tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods, and Trump has since threatened to add tariffs to another $100 billion of goods.

In December, China's holdings of Treasuries stood at $1.18 trillion before falling to $1.17 trillion in January.

China is the biggest holder of U.S. Treasuries, with Japan coming in at second place. Japan's holdings declined by $3.6 billion, to a total of $1.06 trillion.

Buyers abroad also purchased $11.8 billion in agency debt and $4.1 billion of corporate debt. They reduced equity holdings by $1.2 billion

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