Foreign Buyers Snap Up $233B of Long-Term U.S. Securities in May

Foreign investors purchased $233 billion of long-term U.S. securities in May, according to the Treasury Department's latest International Capital (TIC) report released July 14. The surge marks a sharp pickup from earlier months and underscores strong global demand for U.S. government debt. For comparison, TIC data show net foreign purchases of long-term U.S. securities totaled $96.5 billion in March. In April, net buying of Treasury bonds and notes alone was $50.5 billion. May's $233 billion dwarfed those readings. TIC data track cross-border portfolio flows, detailing monthly foreign inflows to and outflows from U.S. securities. Total foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries are estimated at about $9.5 trillion as of early 2026, with long-term securities accounting for roughly 84% of that total. March's report provided additional color on investor mix: private foreign investors bought $111.4 billion of long-term U.S. securities, while official institutions sold $14.9 billion, producing the $96.5 billion net increase. Heavy foreign demand for Treasuries can help restrain U.S. borrowing costs. Strong auction demand typically supports prices and keeps yields lower than they would otherwise be, easing financing pressure and potentially reducing the need for tighter monetary conditions. At the same time, a $233 billion shift into government debt represents capital not directed to alternative assets. TIC releases do not track digital assets, highlighting where institutional allocations remain concentrated. The broader trend through 2026 points to sustained strength in foreign Treasury demand. From March through May, the direction has been upward overall: $96.5 billion in March, $50.5 billion in April for Treasury bonds and notes, then $233 billion in May.