Germany is seriously considering yanking its gold out of U.S. vaults. And why wouldn’t they? With about 1,200 tonnes of their 3,350 tonnes of gold sitting in the US Federal Reserve, that’s a hefty chunk of their wealth. That’s over 30% of their total gold reserves, all stored far away.
Once a smart move during times of conflict, this arrangement now feels more like a gamble. Trust in the U.S. as a custodian? Well, let’s just say recent politics have thrown a wrench in that belief.
Trusting the U.S. with gold? Recent politics have turned that once-smart move into a risky gamble.
Concerns are brewing. Former President Trump’s unpredictable policies have left many questioning whether the U.S. is really the safe harbor they thought it was. Add rising tensions and tariffs to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for doubt. Many Germans want their gold back. They crave financial independence and a little less reliance on Uncle Sam.
And let’s not forget the past. Germany’s requests to inspect their gold have often been met with “not today.”
Political support for repatriation is growing. Senior members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are on board. Figures like Markus Ferber are calling for regular audits. Outgoing CDU politician Marco Wanderwitz has been vocal for years about the need for German officials to take a closer look at their own assets.
The Taxpayers Association of Europe is also rallying behind this cause. It’s like a financial family reunion, and they want their valuables back.
Germany has already started the process, bringing home some gold since 2013. By 2017, they got back 674 tonnes, but there’s still more left across the pond and in other European vaults. In fact, Germany holds approximately 3,350 tonnes of gold reserves.
The gold’s value? A staggering $115 billion. That’s a lot of reasons to reconsider the storage arrangement. Additionally, the reserves stored in the U.S. account for 30% of Germany’s total holdings.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: relocating gold isn’t just a walk in the park. It’s complicated, costly, and fraught with logistical challenges. But in the end, can you blame them for wanting their treasure back?
