U.S. Foreign Aid: Spending Breakdown and Top Global Recipients

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States remains the largest contributor of foreign assistance worldwide. Although its spending in 2023 declined compared to the previous year, the top three recipients of U.S. foreign aid—Ukraine, Israel, and Jordan—still received billions of dollars in support

For decades, foreign aid has been one of the most influential tools in U.S. foreign policy, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing national interests through soft power. To better understand this detailed matter, let's first explore what foreign aid is and why the U.S. provides it, drawing from credible and up-to-date sources.

What Is Foreign Aid?

According to Britannica and U.S. News, foreign aid refers to the transfer of money, goods, or services from one country to another, international organizations, or other foreign entities. In the case of the United States, foreign assistance typically falls into four main categories, as outlined by CFR Education: humanitarian aid, development aid, military aid, and political or economic aid. Ultimately, foreign aid can help foster economic growth, support social infrastructure, address emergencies, or strengthen the defense systems of recipient nations.

Historically, the United States began giving foreign aid in 1946 to help rebuild Europe post-World War II. By 2023, the United States was noted to have spent an average of US$51.4 billion each year, or almost US$4 trillion in total. The distribution of foreign aid is managed by around twenty departments and agencies, including the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the Peace Corps, depending on the project.

Why Does the United States Fund Foreign Aid?

As one of the United States' most influential foreign policy tools, foreign aid is used to advance national interests abroad. At the same time, it is designed to fulfill specific goals within each category of aid, such as improving humanitarian conditions through humanitarian assistance.

By leveraging soft power, foreign aid can also shape how recipient countries perceive the U.S. as a reliable and cooperative partner. This, in turn, can strengthen diplomatic ties and increase future trade opportunities for the United States.

Top 3 U.S. Foreign Aid Recipients by Country

In 2023, Ukraine, Israel, and Jordan led the ranking of U.S. foreign aid recipients by country. 

Ukraine received approximately US$17.2 billion, a dramatic increase from before Russia’s invasion. The United States views Vladimir Putin’s war as a major threat to global stability, disrupting not only global security but also energy markets and food supplies. As a result, the U.S. has significantly ramped up its support to Ukraine, primarily in the form of military, humanitarian, and economic assistance.

Israel, a long-standing U.S. ally in the Middle East, received US$3.3 billion in aid in 2023. This support is primarily military and aligns with the long-standing war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The deep U.S.-Israel relationship is rooted in decades of cooperation, beginning with the U.S. being the first nation to recognize Israel’s independence in 1948. Today, Israel is designated as a major non-NATO ally, granting it access to advanced U.S. military technology, platforms, and defense systems.

In 2023, Jordan received a total of US$1.7 billion in foreign aid. Both nations share a commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, working together on border control, maritime security, cyber defense, arms cooperation, and counterterrorism. According to the U.S. Department of State’s official webpage, Jordan’s security is among the priorities for the United States, having been in a partnership since the late 1960s. 

List of the U.S. Foreign Aid by Country 

Aside from the three nations explained earlier, the U.S. foreign aid also includes seven other key recipients. Here’s the full list:

1. Ukraine (US$17.2 billion)

2. Israel (US$3.3 billion)

3. Jordan (US$1.7 billion)

4. Egypt (US$1.5 billion)

5. Ethiopia (US$1.5 billion)

6. Somalia (US$1.2 billion)

7. Nigeria (US$1 billion)

8. Congo (Kinshasa) (US$990 million)

9. Afghanistan (US$886.5 million)

10. Kenya (US$846 million)

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