Energy giant Saudi Aramco has begun issuing US dollar-denominated international bonds under its Global Medium Term Note Program. The bonds, with a minimum subscription of $200,000, will be offered from July 9 to July 17, with pricing based on market conditions.
This issuance marks Aramco’s return to the debt market after a three-year hiatus since its $6 billion sukuk offering in 2021. The company aims to leverage current market conditions, joining other Gulf entities in tapping debt markets amid falling global interest rates.
The bonds are for institutional investors and will be managed by Citi, Goldman Sachs International, HSBC, and others. Redemption options include maturity, events of default, tax reasons, issuer’s call, and investor put options.
In February, Aramco’s executive director Ziad Al-Murshed hinted at the potential for issuing longer-term bonds, possibly up to 50 years, likely in 2024. Saudi Arabia leads emerging markets in international bond issuance, driven by investor support for its Vision 2030 plan.