Saudi Aramco: Yanbu’ South Terminal Boosts Export Capacity

The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
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Saudi Aramco: Yanbu’ South Terminal Boosts Export Capacity

The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco

The commissioning of Yanbu South Terminal (YST) marked the addition of 3 million barrels per day to the West Coast export capacity when the first VLCC was loaded on October 12, Saudi Aramco has said.

Yanbu South Terminal, which is located south of Yanbu City on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia, consists of a tank farm and offshore facilities to receive, store and load Arab Light (AL) and Arab Super Light (ASL) crude oil, said a statement issued by Aramco on Wednesday.

The facility’s integration with the existing crude oil supply network adds 3 million barrels per day to Saudi Aramco’s export capacity through the West Coast, thereby reinforcing the reputation of Saudi Aramco as a reliable energy supplier to customers throughout the globe, it added.

“The successful commissioning and operation of Yanbu South Terminal is a testimony of the Company’s agility in responding to the business environment, and a demonstration of the fine caliber of individuals and teams who will lead the company into the future to support the country’s vision,” said Abdulaziz Al-Judaimi, Senior VP, Saudi Aramco Downstream.

“The successful startup of Yanbu South Terminal is another milestone in reinforcing Saudi Aramco’s position as the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals producer, operating in a safe, sustainable, reliable and environmentally-friendly manner,” Executive Head of Pipelines, Distribution, and Terminals Abdullah Al-Mansour said.



Gold Gains on Safe-haven Demand as Trump Expands Trade War

FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
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Gold Gains on Safe-haven Demand as Trump Expands Trade War

FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An employee places ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold in a workroom at the Novosibirsk precious metals refining and manufacturing plant in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Russia, September 15, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo

Gold prices rose for a third straight session on Friday, as US President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs on Canada and broader tariff threats against other trading partners lifted demand for the safe-haven asset.
Spot gold was up 0.5% to $3,339.99 per ounce, as of 0755 GMT. US gold futures gained 0.8% to $3,351.
"We're seeing some growing demand for gold as a haven. There are investors looking for some safety asset despite stock markets hitting highs. And any dip in gold is seen as a buying opportunity now," said Carlo Alberto De Casa, an external analyst at Swissquote.
On Thursday, Trump said US would impose a 35% tariff on imports from Canada and planned to impose blanket duties of 15% or 20% on most other trade partners, Reuters said.
This follows Wednesday's announcement of a 50% tariff on US copper imports and a similar levy on goods from Brazil, along with tariff notifications sent earlier to other trading partners.
Trump also said the European Union could receive a letter on tariff rates by Friday, throwing into question the progress of trade talks between Washington and the 27-nation bloc.
"Rising trade tensions have reinvigorated demand for haven assets such as gold amid the prospect of an economic slowdown. The more dovish Fed is also boosting investor appetite," analysts at ANZ wrote in a note.
Data on Thursday showed weekly jobless claims in the US fell unexpectedly to a seven-week low, indicating stable employment levels.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller on Thursday reiterated his belief the central bank could cut interest rates at its policy meeting later this month.
Meanwhile, Fed Bank of San Francisco President Mary Daly said two rate cuts remain on the table for this year.
Lower rates boost non-yielding gold's appeal.
Elsewhere, spot silver rose 0.9% to $37.37 per ounce, platinum fell 1% to $1,346.81 and palladium climbed 1.3% to $1,156.44.