U.S. Treasury securities held by Russia monthly 2020-2024

The value of U.S. Treasury securities held by residents of Russia amounted to 46 million U.S. dollars in April 2024, marking a stark contrast to the 10.51 billion U.S. dollars held in January 2020. The lowest over the period under consideration was recorded in November 2023 at 28 million U.S. dollars. Furthermore, in March 2020, the figure plummeted to 3.85 billion U.S. dollars, down from 12.6 billion U.S. dollars one month prior. Russia’s holdings of U.S. treasury securities have decreased since 2014 following the Western sanctions over the annexation of Crimea and have further dropped in 2022 after more restrictions were imposed over the war in Ukraine. 

What are U.S. treasury holdings?

U.S. treasury holdings are government debt instruments that contribute to the funding of various government projects in the country. The U.S. Department of Treasury allows individuals and organizations to invest in treasury notes, bills, and bonds, which are the main three types of securities. Just under half of the outstanding 27 trillion U.S. dollars as of May 2024 were in the form of treasury notes. The notes have varying maturities and coupon payment frequencies, which are different from the maturity periods of treasury bills and bonds. 

Main foreign holders of U.S. treasury securities

Foreign holdings of U.S. treasury debt amounted to eight trillion U.S. dollars as of January 2024. Japan and China held the largest portions, with China possessing 797.7 billion U.S. dollars in U.S. securities. Additionally, other significant foreign holders included oil exporting countries and Caribbean banking centers.