China's foreign exchange reserves have expanded for the seventh consecutive month, while gold reserves have increased for the 16th straight month. Data released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on March 7 shows that as of the end of February 2026, China's foreign exchange reserves totaled $3.4278 trillion, up $28.73 billion from $3.3991 trillion at the end of January, representing a growth of 0.85%.
The administration attributed the rise in foreign exchange reserves during February to factors including the appreciation of the U.S. dollar index, driven by macroeconomic data, monetary policies, and expectations in major economies, as well as mixed price movements of global financial assets. Currency translation effects and changes in asset prices collectively contributed to the increase.
China's foreign exchange reserves have been growing consistently since August 2025. Specifically, from August to December of last year, reserves increased by $29.92 billion, $16.5 billion, $4.69 billion, $3.03 billion, and $11.5 billion, respectively. In January and February of this year, reserves rose by $41.21 billion and $28.73 billion, respectively.
The administration emphasized that China's economy remains stable and is advancing with improved quality, supported by favorable long-term fundamentals and trends that are conducive to maintaining the stability of foreign exchange reserves.
In related data released the same day, China's gold reserves increased for the 16th consecutive month. According to updated official reserve asset figures from the People's Bank of China on March 7, the country's gold reserves stood at 74.22 million ounces at the end of February, up by 30,000 ounces from 74.19 million ounces at the end of January.
The central bank's current cycle of gold purchases began in November 2024, and as of the end of February 2026, it has been adding to gold reserves for 16 months in a row.
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