PARIS: France has completed a major gold reshuffle by bringing back 129 tonnes of its reserves from New York to Paris, a move that has sent ripples across global markets and surprised US President Donald Trump.
The Banque de France confirmed that between July 2025 and January 2026 it quietly withdrew the final portion of its gold stored abroad. This 129-tonne shipment represents about 5 percent of France’s total gold holdings.
Strategic Sale Generates Huge Profits
Additionally, the process was not only about transferring the old gold bars. The French government decided to sell the older gold bars at very high prices. This shrewd act helped in generating a profit of roughly €13 billion ($14.76 billion) for the central bank.
Full Control Over National Reserves
Moreover, President Emmanuel Macron’s administration is successful in securing full control over the gold reserves held within France, which come in fourth place worldwide in terms of size, only trailing those of the United States, Germany, and Italy. This step follows an increase in global unpredictability and international tension.
This event may be counted among the most significant changes in the gold policy of European nations. According to market experts, this situation shows how the world’s leading financial institutions begin to fear foreign storage of assets. The profit from this also enables France some additional maneuvering space for its economy.
Some experts assume that such actions may push other states to consider reviewing their gold storage strategies. It is already becoming clear that in the White House, where President Trump resides, this move of the French caused quite a stir.
