Bloomberg

May 24, 2026

Turkey Isn't Alone In Dumping Treasuries

Macro ThematicRates Govt BondsFXCommoditiesEnergyOther

Emerging markets, particularly oil importers like China and Turkey, significantly liquidated US Treasuries in March 2026 amid currency pressures and oil-driven inflation concerns. This trend highlights a growing headwind for US government debt as foreign holders reduce exposure during periods of market stress.

Key Takeaways

  • 1.Oil-importing emerging markets significantly reduced their US Treasury holdings in March 2026, marking the largest drop since 2011.
  • 2.China led the net sales of US Treasuries, contributing $56 billion to the overall decline.
  • 3.The liquidations are driven by currency stabilization efforts (FX intervention) and a deeper oil crisis stoking inflation expectations.

Table of Contents

  • Turkey Isn't Alone In Dumping Treasuries
  • March Saw the Largest Treasury Sale Since at Least 2023
  • UST Holdings Often Fall During Periods of Market Stress

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Authors

Tatiane DarieTyler Durden

Securities

US TreasuriesCNYMSCI EM FX IndexBloomberg index of US bonds

Themes

De-dollarization / Treasury LiquidationGeopolitical Inflation RisksEmerging Market Resilience and FX Intervention

Regions

Asia PacificMiddle EastNorth AmericaTurkeyChinaSouth Korea