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The Saudi Arabia Petrodollar June 9 has sent shockwaves across the globe, leaving many wondering about its impact on the economy. The Petrodollar's value surged, reaching a record high on June 9, due to a combination of factors including a decline in US dollar reserves and a rise in global demand for oil.
This sudden increase in Petrodollar value has significant implications for global trade and finance. The Petrodollar's value is closely tied to the price of oil, and its surge has led to a corresponding increase in the price of oil.
The impact of this price increase is being felt across the globe, with countries that rely heavily on oil imports struggling to absorb the higher costs.
Explore further: When Was the Petrodollar Made
Petrodollar System
The Petrodollar System is a key aspect of Saudi Arabia's economy, and it's based on the country's ability to sell its oil in US dollars. This system was established in 1974, when the US and Saudi Arabia agreed that the Saudi government would price its oil in US dollars.
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The Petrodollar System has been a huge success for the US, allowing it to maintain its status as a global economic power. By requiring other countries to buy oil in US dollars, the US has been able to keep its currency strong and maintain its influence around the world.
In return, the US has provided military protection and economic support to Saudi Arabia, helping the country to maintain its stability and security. This mutually beneficial arrangement has allowed the US and Saudi Arabia to maintain a strong economic and strategic partnership.
The Petrodollar System has also helped to keep oil prices stable, as countries are less likely to abandon the US dollar as the global reserve currency. This stability has allowed countries to plan for the future and make long-term investments.
The US has also used the Petrodollar System to exert influence over other countries, by requiring them to hold large reserves of US dollars to pay for their oil imports. This has helped to maintain the US dollar's status as a global reserve currency.
Broaden your view: Canadian Dollar to Saudi Riyal
US Relations
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US Relations have a long history with Saudi Arabia, dating back to the 1930s. Both countries have mutual interests in energy, military, and monetary affairs.
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest foreign military sales customers, with over 100 billion dollars of FMS sales. The US and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed various perks of the petrodollar agreement for 50 years.
The 1973 Oil Crisis had a significant impact on US relations with Saudi Arabia, as the Arab states imposed an oil embargo against the US and its allies.
Broaden your view: 9 Uk Pounds to Us Dollars
US Relations
The US has a complex history with the Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia. The two countries have been connected through energy, military, and monetary interests since the 1930s.
The US-Saudi Arabia relationship was put to the test during the 1973 Oil Crisis, when OPEC imposed an oil embargo on states supporting Israel, including the US. The embargo had severe consequences for the US economy and social fabric.
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In an effort to remedy the situation, the petrodollar agreement was made between the US and Saudi Arabia. This deal lasted for 50 years, bringing various benefits to both countries.
However, the discontinuation of the petrodollar agreement has resulted in a significant reduction of dollar reserves in central banks, dropping from 70% to 55% last year.
For more insights, see: Saudi Arabia Does Not Renew Petrodollar Agreement
Unlikely Scenario Implications
The Implications of an Unlikely Scenario are quite significant. Saudi Arabia's cumulative current account is close to $1.5 trillion, suggesting they have sizable dollar-denominated holdings.
This could make them vulnerable to US dollar coercion, even if they've diversified into eurodollars. Secondary sanctions could block or restrict the use of those assets.
Saudi Arabia's riyal exchange rate is pegged to the dollar, which requires large dollar reserves to maintain economic stability and security. This dependence on the dollar positions Saudi Arabia at a pivotal crossroad.
If Saudi Arabia were to price oil in currencies other than dollars, it could influence other commodity markets and affect global financial stability. This could have unpredictable consequences, especially if other oil producers follow suit.
A shift away from the dollar could also alter the dynamics of international trade agreements.
Take a look at this: Saudi Arabian Riyal Exchange Rate
Implications and Status
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Saudi Arabia's decision to disassociate with the petrodollar deal on June 9, 2024, is a significant step towards diversifying its economy.
The country's inclusion in BRICS, a group that advocates for the use of local currency, has been a major factor in this decision. BRICS is a huge advocate of using local currency.
Saudi Arabia's decision to disassociate with the petrodollar deal can be seen as a fatal blow to the US economy, potentially leading to de-dollarization. This is because the country can now easily make payments in Yuan to China in exchange for oil exports.
Saudi Arabia has been diversifying its economic ties with other countries, including China, since 2014. The country has been investing in bank deposits and equities since then.
The credibility of this threat hinges on how far Saudi Arabia is willing to diversify its economic flows away from the US. If disagreements over human rights and democracy start to weigh on Saudi-US ties, the Saudis might no longer want to maintain the same level of dollar holdings.
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Saudi Arabia's economic flows have not been consistent, with the country experiencing a decline in its surplus from the early 1980s to 2000. This was due to high government spending on public services, subsidies, infrastructure projects, and the military.
The Saudi government increased its expenditures on several fronts to diversify the Kingdom's economy and enhance social welfare. This included investments in education, infrastructure development, and military spending.
What's in the Deal?
The petrodollar deal was signed on 8 June 1974, during Richard Nixon's administration. The two key officials who signed the contract were Henry Kissinger, the US Secretary of State, and Saudi Prince Fahd bin Abdulaziz.
The deal was instrumental in establishing stronger economic and military cooperation between the two states. The US approved the provision of advanced military equipment to Saudi Arabia in exchange for dollar transactions.
The petrodollar agreement made the dollar an international currency, solidifying its position in the global market. This was achieved by requiring countries to use dollars exclusively when exporting oil to other countries.
The deal was beneficial for both parties, and it paved the way for new economic and military cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Security
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Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase in security concerns in recent years.
The country's 2015 military intervention to support the Yemeni government against Houthi rebels involved considerable military expenditure.
This intervention has contributed to higher defense spending, which is necessary to address the growing threat of terrorism and regional instability.
The rise of the Islamic State, which seized control over significant swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, has further multiplied Saudi Arabia's security concerns.
In response to these threats, Saudi Arabia has had to strategically reposition itself to address the challenges it faces.
The country's security concerns are not limited to terrorism, but also include regional instability and the potential for further conflicts.
Introduction and Context
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the Arab-Israel War of 1973, was a significant geopolitical event that led to a drastic shift in the world order. The war resulted in an oil embargo imposed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on the US due to its support for Israel.
Oil prices surged after the embargo, leading to public dissatisfaction and inflation. The US's submissive attitude towards Saudi Arabia marked a change in the dynamics of the world order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the end of the petrodollar deal mean?
The end of the petrodollar deal means Saudi Arabia can now sell oil in various currencies, reducing its reliance on the US dollar. This shift opens up new economic options for the kingdom and potentially for other countries.
What happens if petrodollar dies?
If the petrodollar dies, the US dollar's status as the global reserve currency could weaken, potentially leading to a faster shift away from the dollar (de-dollarization). This could have significant long-term implications for the dollar's value and global economic stability.
Is Saudi Arabia decided not to sell oil in US dollar anymore?
No, Saudi Arabia has not stopped selling oil in US dollars. In fact, they have expanded their sales to include various currencies, including the US dollar, to do business with multiple nations.
Sources
- https://www.project-syndicate.org/onpoint/saudi-petrodollars-do-they-matter-for-us-currency-hegemony-by-carla-norrlof-2024-07
- https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/what-was-the-us-saudi-petrodollar-deal-that-lapsed-after-80-years-13782292.html
- https://www.eurasiareview.com/01072024-the-implications-of-the-non-renewal-of-the-petrodollar-system-oped/
- https://www.gmrgold.com/blog/the-overlooked-obituary-the-end-of-the-petrodollar-era.cfm
- https://www.paradigmshift.com.pk/us-saudi-arabia-petrodollar-agreement/
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