Another "Question of the Day" from
Just Facts DailyFederal Debt Owed to Foreigners
Which foreign nation owns the greatest amount of U.S. federal government debt?
1. China
2. Japan
3. Switzerland
Correct Answer 2. Japan
Correct Answer Rate 26%
Discussion:
At the close of the federal government's 2023 fiscal year, Japan owned $1.1 trillion in U.S. government debt, more than any other nation. This amounted to 3% of all federal debt. The next largest owner was China, with $778 billion, or 2% of the total. In aggregate, foreign nations own 23% of all U.S. federal debt, a share that has grown dramatically over the past 50 years and creates significant risks detailed at the second link below.
Documentation:
U.S. Debt Ownership
Foreign Ownership Risks