French Central Bank Repatriates 129 Tons of Gold from US

The transaction generated a one-time profit of nearly $15.1 billion for the French regulatory authority.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:34am

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The French central bank has completed the transfer of 129 tons of gold bars from storage in New York to new storage in Paris. The transaction, which took place from July 2025 to January 2026, generated a one-time profit of nearly 13 billion euros (approximately $15.1 billion) for the French regulatory authority due to high metal prices.

Why it matters

The repatriation of gold reserves by central banks has become an increasingly discussed topic, with countries like India, Serbia, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania also demanding the return of their gold from foreign storage. This reflects broader geopolitical tensions and concerns about the safety and control of national assets.

The details

The French central bank sold the 129 tons of gold bars that were previously stored in New York and replaced them with new gold bars stored in Paris. The transaction was completed over a 6-month period from July 2025 to January 2026.

  • The transaction took place from July 2025 to January 2026.
  • The gold was subsequently stored in Paris.

The players

French Central Bank

The central banking authority of France, responsible for managing the country's monetary policy and gold reserves.

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The takeaway

The repatriation of national gold reserves is a growing trend among central banks, driven by geopolitical concerns and a desire for greater control over strategic assets. The French central bank's move highlights the financial and symbolic importance of gold holdings for countries seeking to assert their economic sovereignty.