Data and Financial Journalist
Foreign investors held $8.8 trillion in U.S. Treasuries as of February 2025—a 10.2% increase from a year earlier, according to the recent U.S. Treasury data. Japan, China, and the U.K. remain the top holders of U.S. debt. Two charts show the major foreign holders as the national debt hits $36.1 trillion.
President Trump’s new tariffs hit Asian exporters the hardest. With a 90-day pause in place, countries like Vietnam and Cambodia seek trade solutions amid rising U.S. trade deficits.
The U.S. reported major trade deficits in February 2025 with China, the EU, and Mexico—just as President Trump’s latest round of ‘reciprocal’ tariffs took effect. Here’s a breakdown of who’s facing the steepest penalties, and why some key allies like Canada and Mexico are exempt.
On April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day” by President Trump, the U.S. will impose new “reciprocal” tariffs on imports, escalating trade tensions with key partners.
While countries like China, Mexico, and Canada are already expected to be hit hardest, many European and Asian economies will likely see a huge impact, prompting global warnings of retaliation, trade wars and a global economic slowdown.