Les Pays-Bas retirent leur or d'Amérique du Nord en "préparation à la crise"; ils ont transféré 94,8 tonnes à Londres en 5 mois

The Netherlands has moved nearly 94.8 metric tons of its gold reserves from North America to London over five months, describing the action as part of a broader strategy to enhance resilience amid global political instability. The Dutch Central Bank announced the transfer during a routine update, revealing that between March and August, approximately 86 metric tons of gold were relocated from New York and Ottawa to the United Kingdom. Prior to the move, New York held 31.3% of the Netherlands' gold reserves, while Ottawa accounted for 19.7%. Following the relocation, both cities now hold just 18.5% of the total. The bank’s holdings amount to 612.4 metric tons of gold, valued at around €72.2 billion ($83.6 billion) as of the end of 2025. This represents a significant portion of the country's foreign exchange reserves, which are managed with a focus on liquidity and strategic positioning. According to the bank, more than 27 metric tons of gold were physically transferred from the U.S. and Canada to a secure vault located near the town of Zeist, within a military base. The method used to transport the bullion across the Atlantic was not disclosed, though the bank emphasized that the process was carefully coordinated. An equivalent amount of gold was subsequently moved from Zeist to London, reinforcing the shift toward centralized custody in the UK. The remaining portion of the relocation was achieved through the sale of approximately 59 metric tons of gold in New York, with proceeds used to purchase additional gold in London. This approach allowed the bank to adjust its holdings without directly moving all reserves at once, maintaining operational continuity while enhancing flexibility. The decision reflects a growing emphasis on diversifying and securing reserve assets in response to geopolitical uncertainties. A statement from the bank’s governor, Olaf Sleijpe, noted that the move improved the commercial viability of the reserves. “We expect we will never have to use them, but we need to strengthen our resilience and preparedness,” he wrote in a formal communication. The Dutch Central Bank, known by its acronym DNB, explained that the gold stored at the Bank of England adheres to modern international trade standards. It described this stockpile as the most easily tradable and accessible form of gold, ensuring rapid availability in times of crisis. In contrast, the gold kept in New York and Ottawa lacks the same level of immediacy and direct usability under emergency conditions. This strategic realignment underscores the evolving priorities of major central banks in managing their reserves. As global tensions persist and economic volatility increases, nations are increasingly prioritizing asset security and liquidity. The Netherlands joins other countries in reassessing the geographic distribution of its reserves, seeking to balance accessibility with safety and regulatory compliance. Looking ahead, the bank is likely to continue monitoring market dynamics and geopolitical developments, potentially adjusting its reserve strategies further. While the current move is framed as a precautionary measure, it highlights the ongoing evolution of how central banks manage their vast financial resources in an unpredictable world. The next steps will depend on how these shifts impact global markets and whether similar actions are taken by other nations.