U.S.-aligned countries, led by Asia, slash U.S. Treasury purchases by 60%

What happened: U.S.-aligned countries and regions, led by Asia, cut net purchases of U.S. Treasuries excluding bills in the first eight months of 2026, according to an analysis of Treasury and State Department data. Key numbers: Net purchases were $174.3 billion, the lowest for the period since 2021 and down more than 60% from a year earlier. Why it matters: The shift is notable in Asia, where economies running large surpluses are putting less of that money into U.S. debt, and being a close Washington partner no longer means reliably funding the U.S. deficit. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

U.S.-aligned countries and regions, led by Asia, cut net purchases of U.S. Treasuries excluding bills in the first eight months of 2026, according to an analysis of Treasury and State Department data.

The shift is notable in Asia, where economies running large surpluses are putting less of that money into U.S. debt, and being a close Washington partner no longer means reliably funding the U.S. deficit.