China

China's SDR trajectory reflects its meteoric economic rise. Starting with a tiny allocation after the PRC rejoined the IMF in 1980, China has grown to become the third-largest quota holder. A landmark milestone came in October 2016 when the Chinese renminbi (RMB) was officially included in the SDR currency basket alongside the USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY — a recognition of China's global economic significance.

Current Allocation

SDR 36.4B

2026

Current Holdings

SDR 38.0B

+4.4% vs allocation

IMF Quota Share

6.39%

SDR 30.5B quota

Allocation Growth

+404272%

Since 1970

Initial SDR Allocation

First Allocation Year

1970

Initial SDR Allocation

SDR 9M

Initial Quota Share

0.23%

SDR Allocation & Holdings Over Time

Allocation

Holdings

IMF Quota Share Evolution (%)

Decade-by-Decade SDR Status

Year	Allocation (M SDR)	Holdings (M SDR)	Quota Share	Net Position	Note
1970	9	9	0.23%	+0	PRC rejoined IMF in 1980; Taiwan held original seat
1981	237	250	0.97%	+13	PRC fully reintegrated
1991	637	600	0.86%	-37	—
2001	1,369	1,400	2.21%	+31	—
2011	6,389	7,000	3.99%	+611	Rapid quota increase
2021	36,394	37,500	6.39%	+1,107	RMB joined SDR basket in 2016; 2021 allocation
2026Current	36,394	38,000	6.39%	+1,607	Current status

2026 — Current SDR Status

Total Allocation

SDR 36,394M

Current Holdings

SDR 38,000M

IMF Quota (SDR)

SDR 30,483M

Status

– Balanced (4.4%)