China Trade Data Exceed Expectations

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China Trade Data Exceed Expectations

China’s trade surplus with the United States expanded in November to $27.87 billion from $26.62 billion in October, according to data from China’s customs administration on Friday.

The surplus with the US over the first 11 months of the year was $251.26 billion, customs data showed, compared to $222.98 billion in the Jan-Oct period, Reuters reported.

September’s surplus of $28.08 billion was the highest on record, a Reuters calculation showed.

The latest data show that the country registered a trade surplus of $40.21 billion in the month against expectations of $35 billion in November after the $ 38.185 billion in October.

Trade between the United States and China is one of the most pressing issues that the administration of President Donald Trump places an eye on.

Trump describes the trade deficit with China as "embarrassing" and "horrible" and blames past US administrations "for allowing this trade deficit to take place and to grow."

China has enjoyed a boom in trade relations with many countries of the world, not just the United States, where recent data showed that China's total exports in November increased by 12.3 percent year on year, the fastest pace in eight months.

As global demand has surprised with its strength, consumers have lapped up Chinese goods at a rapid rate this year, giving the economy a boost and providing policy makers room to tighten rules to curb high-risk lending, Reuters reported.

The number beat analysts' forecast of a 5.0 per cent increase and compared with 6.9 per cent growth in October.



Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
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Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups

The number of foreign start‑ups holding Saudi Arabia’s “Riyadi” entrepreneurship license has more than doubled to 550 by mid‑2025, up 118 % from the same period a year earlier, the Investment Ministry said.

The Riyadi permit lets overseas founders launch and scale technology and innovation‑focused companies in the kingdom. Officials say the surge reflects a government push to position Saudi Arabia as the Gulf’s start‑up hub by easing market entry and offering flexible regulation.

The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) has meanwhile issued 364 licenses for business incubators and accelerators, helping international entrepreneurs develop prototypes, find mentors and connect with investors.

Flagship tech gatherings such as Biban and LEAP in Riyadh – along with Saudi delegations to global events including Web Summit, VivaTech and Slush – have burnished the kingdom’s credentials as a magnet for venture capital and talent, the ministry said.

The momentum comes as Riyadh chases the economic‑diversification goals of its Vision 2030 plan. The government is targeting $100 billion a year in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2030.

Overall investment licensing jumped 67.7 % last year. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia issued 4,615 licenses, up 59.9 % year on year.

Net FDI inflows moderated to 16.0 billion riyals ($4.27 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, 24 % lower than a year earlier but 37 % higher than the previous quarter’s 11.7 billion riyals ($3.12 billion), according to General Authority for Statistics data.

Saudi officials say the Riyadi license is integral to diversifying the economy, fostering innovation and embedding an entrepreneurial culture.