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[BUSINESS] · United States, China, Brazil · 7 sources

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United States national debt surpasses $40 trillion milestone

The United States national debt has surpassed the $40 trillion milestone for the first time. This historic increase, which has seen the debt more than double since 2017, is attributed to several factors including tax reductions for the wealthy, high military spending approaching $1 trillion, and import tariffs. Additionally, inflation driven by conflicts in the Middle East has increased fuel prices and contributed to rising debt-servicing costs.

Debt interest payments have surged to $1.1 trillion, more than doubling the $419 billion recorded in 2021. To manage market liquidity and address rising borrowing costs, the US Treasury announced it will double the maximum size of liquidity-support buybacks for longer-dated securities from $2 billion to $4 billion per operation starting in September.

While Chinese state media has criticized the debt as a 'monster' spiraling out of control, economists suggest the US is not at immediate risk of insolvency. This stability is supported by the US's ability to issue its own currency and the dollar's status as a primary global reserve currency. However, experts warn that the fiscal situation may create market uncertainty and could pressure other nations, such as Brazil, to maintain higher interest rates.

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Brazil · Canada · China · Donald Trump · Federal Reserve · Pedro Paulo Zahluth Bastos · US Treasury · Unicamp · United States

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