RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s holding of US Treasuries increased by $4.5 billion month-on-month in March to reach $116.2 billion, according to the latest data released by Washington’s Treasury Department. On an annual basis, the Kingdom’s holdings of the bonds climbed by 1.2 percent and reached $115.5 billion. This included long-term bonds totaling $103.2 billion, accounting for 89 percent of the total value, while short-term bonds amounted to $13 billion, which made up the remaining 11 percent of the assets. Saudi Arabia’s foreign reserve assets are computed using its international securities investments, foreign currency and deposits, reserves with the International Monetary Fund, special drawing rights, and gold reserves. The data showed that Saudi Arabia maintained the 17th spot among the largest holders of US debt in March. Japan remained the largest non-US holder of Treasuries with $1.087 trillion, up from $1.082 trillion in February. China, the second-biggest non-US holder of Treasuries, also increased its debt, rising to $869.3 billion in March from $848.8 billion in February. Earlier, data released by the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, revealed that the Kingdom’s foreign reserve assets decreased by SR52.2 billion ($13.92 billion), accruing SR1.64 trillion in March 2023, down from SR1.68 trillion in February.