RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate to 5 percent, its third cut this year, aligning with the US Federal Reserve’s recent decision to reduce rates by 25 basis points. 

The Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, reduced its repurchase agreement rate to 5 percent and the reverse repurchase agreement rate to 4.5 percent, it said in a statement. The move is aimed at maintaining monetary stability amid shifting global economic conditions. 

The move aligns with the US Federal Reserve decision, which similarly cut rates by 25 basis points, bringing its target range to 4.25–4.5 percent. 

“This decision is in line with SAMA’s mandate of preserving monetary stability in the context of global developments,” SAMA said. 

The reduction follows a more aggressive 50-basis-point cut in September and reflects a recalibration of policy as inflationary pressures ease. The move is expected to lower borrowing costs, providing relief after two years of elevated rates designed to curb inflation.  

Central banks across the Gulf Cooperation Council, whose currencies are largely pegged to the dollar, mirrored the Fed’s move despite relatively stable inflation levels in the region. 

The UAE cut its overnight deposit facility rate by 25 basis points to 4.4 percent, while Oman trimmed its repo rate by the same margin to 5 percent. Qatar opted for a slightly deeper reduction, lowering its three main rates by 30 basis points. Bahrain reduced its overnight deposit rate by 25 basis points to 5 percent. 

In a separate statement, the Central Bank of Kuwait announced on Wednesday that it had adopted a “gradual and balanced approach” to monetary policy, reducing its discount rate by 25 basis points to 4 percent, effective Sept. 19. 

Over the past two years, the US Federal Reserve has aggressively raised interest rates to combat inflation, significantly tightening monetary policy to stabilize prices. 

Although inflation in the US has edged closer to the Fed’s 2 percent target, it remains slightly elevated, leaving consumers burdened by high costs.  

The GCC economies, particularly Saudi Arabia, stand to benefit from the recent rate cuts. Lower borrowing costs are expected to bolster the Kingdom’s non-oil sectors, a key pillar of Vision 2030. Industries such as construction, real estate, and services, which have already experienced robust growth, are likely to gain additional momentum. 

Moreover, cheaper credit could accelerate investments in infrastructure and technology — two critical components of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy. 

JEDDAH: The Kingdom’s businesses now have access to an enhanced support system through the newly launched electronic guide by the Saudi Export Development Authority.

SEDA has introduced the first digital version of its Export Incentive Service, or Incentives, which provides a comprehensive overview of key benefits, application procedures, and eligibility criteria aimed at promoting exports.

The initiative is designed to help Saudi companies expand into global markets by offering nine distinct incentives that adhere to World Trade Organization regulations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

This launch is part of SEDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the export environment, raise awareness of export practices, develop human capital within the sector, and create new opportunities for Saudi exporters.

Additionally, the program seeks to address the challenges faced by exporters through collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders. By supporting these efforts, the program aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying sources of national income.

The guide caters to the specific needs of exporters, covering a wide range of activities, including e-commerce platform registration, product certification, participation in international trade shows, marketing, advertising, product registration, and facilitating visits to potential buyers. It also offers legal consultations and specialized training.

A notable feature of the program is its cost-sharing component. The initiative compensates companies for a portion of the costs associated with entering new markets, offering reimbursement ranging from 50 percent to 75 percent, depending on specific terms and conditions.

In the third quarter of 2024, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports reached SR79.48 billion ($21.17 billion), marking an impressive 16.76 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Notably, the Kingdom’s exports to the UAE amounted to SR19.58 billion, followed by India at SR6.78 billion and China at SR6.48 billion.

Chemical products led the Kingdom’s non-oil exports, representing 25.5 percent of total shipments, with a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase. Plastic and rubber products followed, accounting for 24.9 percent of exports, reflecting an 8.9 percent growth compared to the previous year.

In addition to the export incentives program, SEDA recently introduced another initiative exempting industrial inputs from customs duties.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, this service provides industrial companies with customs duty exemptions on inputs used to produce export goods. This move aligns with Vision 2030’s broader goal of diversifying the economy and increasing non-oil exports.

The service covers industrial inputs, such as raw materials, labor, fuel, equipment, and buildings, enabling Saudi manufacturers to reduce costs associated with production for export. By improving cost efficiency, the initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Saudi industries.

Together, these programs are designed to diversify income sources, enhance non-oil exports, and promote sustainable growth, offering innovative solutions tailored to the needs of exporters while supporting the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s industrial sector.