Video|30 January 2025

MENA | $600bn Pledge: Can Saudi-US Ties Strengthen?

Scott Livermore
Scott Livermore
Chief Economist & Managing Director
MENA | $600bn Pledge: Can Saudi-US Ties Strengthen?


Saudi Arabia has pledged $600bn in investments in the US over four years, aiming to strengthen economic ties. While specifics remain unclear, the announcement follows positive trade developments, including a 7% annual growth in services trade. Imports climbed 14% in November, driven by machinery and transport equipment, with the US ranking among Saudi Arabia’s top suppliers. Although Saudi exports fell by 5% year on year in November, this was due to a 12% decline in oil exports.


Bahrain’s annual inflation rate edged up to 0.5% in December from 0.4% in November, reaching a four-month high. Key drivers include a sharp rise in alcoholic beverage prices and increases in electricity, gas, food and non-alcoholic beverages while prices fell in clothing and footwear. We expect inflation to pickup through this year, and for it to average 2.8% in 2025 as a whole


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