International News 19 February 2025
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Japan's Exports Rise 4 Months in a Row Amid US Tariff Threats
Japan's exports have shown continuous growth for the fourth consecutive month, indicating robust global demand and contributing to the nation's economic recovery.However, concerns have been raised regarding the impending tariff policies of the United States.Recent data on Japan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) also indicates a faster-than-expected economic growth in the October-December quarter, further underscoring the case for the central bank to consider raising interest rates. In light of the potential impact of US tariff threats, Japan is proactively preparing responses.President Donald Trump is considering the imposition of import duties on cars, as well as reciprocal tariffs against countries that tax US imports.While Japan's total exports in January rose by 7.2% year-on-year, which is below the market forecast of 7.9%, the increase from December is noteworthy.Exports to China declined, while exports to the US increased. Import growth in Japan exceeded market expectations, resulting in a larger-than-expected trade deficit.
Saudi Arabia Stock Exchange Expects Record IPOs in 2025
Tadawul, Saudi Arabia's stock exchange, has announced that the number of initial public offerings (IPOs) in the country is set to reach a new record by 2025. This development is a key result of the government's economic diversification strategy, which has led to the Saudi stock market becoming one of the most active in terms of IPO volume.At present, over 50 IPO applications are under regulatory review, with around 100 others in the preparation stage. So far, 15 applications have been approved, indicating a high level of interest from companies seeking to list on the Saudi stock market.The Saudi stock exchange is the largest in the Arabian Gulf region, with a daily transaction value of over US$1 billion.The wave of IPOs in the Gulf region is driven by the governments' economic diversification plans, the privatisation of state-owned companies, and an increasing number of private companies and family businesses seeking to go public. By 2024, Saudi Arabia is set to lead in the number of IPOs in the Gulf region, including some of the largest IPOs globally.