
German lawmaker demands return of gold reserves from US amid uncertainties
German lawmaker demands return of gold reserves from US amid uncertainties
- Around 37% of Germany's gold reserves, valued at $178 billion, are stored in the US.
- Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann argues that current geopolitical realities necessitate the repatriation of gold.
- The rising gold prices and uncertainties underline the need for Germany to reassess its economic strategies.
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In recent statements made by German lawmaker Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, concerns about the geopolitical landscape and the unpredictable policies of US President Donald Trump have sparked a renewed call for Germany to repatriate its gold reserves stored in the United States. Approximately 37% of Germany's gold reserves, equivalent to more than 1,230 tons and valued at around $178 billion, are currently held at the US Federal Reserve in New York. This arrangement has persisted since World War II, with the demand to repatriate driven by fears over economic and security sovereignty amidst rising international uncertainties. Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the Free Democratic Party, criticized the long-standing strategy of storing significant gold reserves abroad, arguing that such an approach is outdated in the current global climate. She noted that the geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically since the Cold War era, implying that Germany's dependence on its transatlantic partners can no longer justify keeping large portions of its reserves in foreign territories. The lawmaker emphasized the need for greater strategic autonomy in both economic and security policies, asserting that trusting traditional partners is insufficient when facing pressing global challenges. The call for repatriation is underscored by the recent surge in gold prices, which have risen nearly 70% in 2025 alone. Factors contributing to the increased demand include inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainties regarding US economic policies. Gold futures recently hit a record high of over $4,860 per ounce, as investors look for safe-haven assets amid rising global tensions, particularly those related to Trump's tariff strategies and confronted challenges with NATO allies. Economic analysts attribute much of this volatility to a pervasive sense of unease concerning the US's political and economic direction under Trump’s leadership. Additionally, the call for repatriating gold highlights broader issues of national sovereignty and self-reliance in a time when many nations are reevaluating their relationships with traditional allies. Germany had previously repatriated some gold from New York and Paris between 2013 and 2017 but continues to hold a significant amount overseas. While approximately half of Germany's gold reserves are now held domestically, the ongoing discussions showcase a critical crossroads: balancing historical practices with a contemporary reassessment of national identity and economic security in an increasingly unpredictable world.