The U.S. is no stranger to debt. By the end of 2024, America’s total debt had climbed to $36.1 trillion, up from $34.4 trillion in 2023.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 countries holding the most U.S. debt.
- The list is sourced from Visual Capitalist.
- By the end of 2024, America’s total debt had climbed to $36.1 trillion, up from $34.4 trillion in 2023.
Debt is a big part of how governments keep their system running, whether it’s funding roads, schools, or healthcare. When a country spends more than it earns in taxes, it borrows money to make up the difference.
While this can be helpful, too much debt can create problems, like high-interest payments, economic slowdowns, and reliance on foreign lenders.
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The U.S. is no stranger to debt. By the end of 2024, America’s total debt had climbed to $36.1 trillion, up from $34.4 trillion in 2023.
To cover its expenses, the U.S. borrows money from investors at home and abroad. Right now, foreign countries hold about $8.5 trillion of this debt.
Why would other countries want to lend money to the U.S.? U.S. Treasury bonds are seen as one of the safest investments in the world. Some nations use them to store their wealth, while others see them as a bargaining chip in trade and diplomacy.
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Below are the top 10 countries holding the most U.S. debt:
| Rank | Country | December 2024 (USD Billions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 1059.8 |
| 2 | China, Mainland | 759 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | 722.7 |
| 4 | Luxembourg | 423.9 |
| 5 | Cayman Islands | 418.9 |
| 6 | Canada | 378.8 |
| 7 | Belgium | 374.6 |
| 8 | Ireland | 336.2 |
| 9 | France | 332.3 |
| 10 | Switzerland | 288.5 |
