RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s holdings of US Treasury securities rose 19 percent in February to $160.4 billion, the highest level in recent years, as the Kingdom increased purchases of short-term debt, official data showed.
The total was up from $134.8 billion in January and 26.9 percent higher than $126.4 billion a year earlier, marking a monthly increase of $25.6 billion, according to Treasury International Capital data.
Separate Treasury International Capital data showed Saudi Arabia was a net buyer of US securities in February, with purchases totaling $24.8 billion.
The Kingdom’s US Treasury holdings are closely watched as a barometer of the country’s foreign reserve management and the recycling of oil revenues into global financial markets. As one of the world’s largest crude exporters, Saudi Arabia has historically adjusted its portfolio of US government debt in line with energy prices, liquidity needs and broader investment strategy, while Treasurys remain a favored asset for their safety, scale and dollar liquidity.
Long-term Treasury holdings stood at $105.8 billion, though the country posted net sales of $1.2 billion in that segment. Short-term Treasury holdings reached $54.6 billion, supported by $26 billion in net purchases, while valuation changes added $896 million.
The Kingdom remains among the larger foreign holders of US government debt and is the biggest investor within the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Its $160.4 billion in holdings in February significantly exceeded those of the UAE, which stood at $119.9 billion over the same period.
Globally, Japan retains its top position at $1.239 trillion, followed by the UK at $897.3 billion and China at $693.3 billion.
Overall foreign holdings of US Treasurys increased to $9.48 trillion in February from $9.28 trillion in January, indicating continued global demand for dollar-denominated assets.
Foreign official institutions accounted for $4.03 trillion of the total, reflecting sustained participation from central banks and sovereign entities.
Additional countries, including Belgium and Canada, also recorded increases in their Treasury holdings during the month, while Luxembourg’s holdings edged slightly lower, and broader trends suggest steady international demand for US government securities.
