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Japan Loses Crown as World's Top Creditor to Germany

5/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

For the first time in 34 years, Japan has surrendered its crown as the world's largest creditor nation to Germany. By the end of 2024, Japan's net external assets soared to ¥533.05 trillion ($3.7 trillion), a 13% rise from the previous year, yet Germany outpaced them with ¥569.7 trillion. China follows closely in third place with ¥516.3 trillion.

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Story summary

For the first time in 34 years, Japan has surrendered its crown as the world's largest creditor nation to Germany. By the end of 2024, Japan's net external assets soared to ¥533.05 trillion ($3.7 trillion), a 13% rise from the previous year, yet Germany outpaced them with ¥569.7 trillion. China follows closely in third place with ¥516.3 trillion.