For the first time in 34 years, Japan lost the status of the largest lender of the world, giving way to Germany. According to Bloomberg, the volume of foreign assets belonging to Japanese companies, households and the government increased by 13% in 2024 and reached a record 533.05 trillion yen (about $ 3.7 trillion). However, Germany was able to get ahead of Japan with $ 3.96 trillion.
China, which has previously inferred to both countries, now ranks third with foreign assets of $ 3.58 trillion.
The growth of Germany's assets is explained by the significant surplus of current operations, which in 2023 reached € 248.7 billion. In Japan, this figure was 29.4 trillion yen, or about 180 billion euros. At the same time, the euro to Japanese Yena increased by about 5% last year, which also affected assets.
Finance Minister of Japan Katsunobo Cato stated that the loss of the status of the largest lender is not a cause for concern. According to him, Japan's net foreign assets continue to grow steadily, so changing the position in the rating does not indicate a significant deterioration in the country's economic situation.
Thus, although Japan has lost its first place, its economic position remains strong, and Germany has confirmed its status as a powerful player in the world financial market.
