عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

EU Considers Restarting WTO Case Against US Over Steel Tariffs

FILE PHOTO: Chess pieces are seen in front of displayed US and EU flags in this illustration. REUTERS
FILE PHOTO: Chess pieces are seen in front of displayed US and EU flags in this illustration. REUTERS
TT
TT

EU Considers Restarting WTO Case Against US Over Steel Tariffs

FILE PHOTO: Chess pieces are seen in front of displayed US and EU flags in this illustration. REUTERS
FILE PHOTO: Chess pieces are seen in front of displayed US and EU flags in this illustration. REUTERS

The European Union is considering reopening a case at the World Trade Organization against the United States over a steel and aluminum dispute that saw the allies hit each other with tariffs on more than $10 billion of goods, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The EU will, however, refrain from immediately reimposing retaliatory tariffs on American goods over the disagreement, the report said.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

Saudi Finance Minister: 2025 Budget Aims to Continue Expanding Strategic Spending

Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Saudi Finance Minister: 2025 Budget Aims to Continue Expanding Strategic Spending

Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Al-Jadaan speaking at the press conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan outlined the objectives of the 2025 budget, emphasizing a continued focus on strategic spending for developmental projects aligned with sectoral strategies and Vision 2030 programs.
He added that the budget aims to support initiatives that deliver sustainable economic, social, and environmental benefits, while enhancing the business environment, improving the Kingdom’s trade balance, and increasing both the volume and quality of local and foreign investments.
Speaking at a press conference following the Cabinet’s approval of the budget, Al-Jadaan highlighted the government’s commitment to expansionary spending due to its positive impact on citizens. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s economy has become more resilient to fluctuations in oil markets, reflecting ongoing structural changes.
The non-oil economy is projected to grow by 3.7% by the end of 2024, he said, with non-oil activities contributing 52% to GDP during the first half of the current year.
The minister also revealed that since the launch of Vision 2030, non-oil revenues have increased by 154%. Oil’s share of GDP currently stands at 28%, and the nominal GDP has reached SAR 4.1 trillion, he remarked.

Moreover, Al-Jadaan said that private investment’s contribution to GDP has grown from 16% in 2016 to 24.7% today. The industrial sector is set to attract SAR 30 billion ($8 billion) in investments in 2025, alongside SAR 12.3 billion ($3.2 billion) in credit facilities to support Saudi exporters. Tourism has also emerged as a significant driver of economic growth, ranking as the second-largest contributor to the balance of payments after oil.
The Saudi minister emphasized the encouraging economic indicators, noting the surge in small and medium-sized enterprises driven by government spending. He reiterated the government’s cautious and conservative approach to budget preparation, reflected in revenue figures.
Structural changes in the Kingdom’s economy are beginning to yield tangible results, with a 33% increase in spending on strategies and programs aimed at achieving Vision 2030, according to Al-Jadaan. These efforts are expected to sustain economic growth, foster diversification, and further strengthen the Kingdom’s global economic standing, he stated.