Saudi Arabia’s Trade Landscape: A Closer Look at Non-Oil Exports and Imports

In July 2025, Saudi Arabia witnessed a notable shift in its trade dynamics, particularly in the realm of non-oil exports. The ratio of non-oil exports to imports surged to 44.6%, a significant increase from 33.4% recorded in July 2024. This upward trend reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency.

Key Contributors to Non-Oil Exports

The composition of non-oil exports reveals interesting insights into the Kingdom’s economic activities. Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts emerged as the dominant category, accounting for 29.7% of total non-oil exports. This highlights the growing importance of technology and manufacturing sectors in Saudi Arabia’s export portfolio. Following closely were chemical products, which made up 19.6% of non-oil exports, underscoring the significance of the chemical industry in the Kingdom’s economic framework.

Import Trends: Machinery and Transportation

On the import front, machinery, electrical equipment, and parts also played a crucial role, constituting 11.7% of total imports. This figure represents a substantial 29.9% increase compared to the previous year, indicating a rising demand for advanced technology and equipment within the Kingdom.

Transportation equipment and parts followed, making up 13.2% of total imports. However, this category experienced a decline of 9.6% from July 2024, suggesting potential shifts in transportation needs or changes in market dynamics.

The Decline of Oil Exports

While non-oil exports are on the rise, oil exports have seen a decrease in their share of total exports. In July 2025, oil exports accounted for 67.1% of total exports, down from 72.8% in July 2024. This decline further emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to diversifying its economy and reducing reliance on oil revenues.

Trade Balance Surplus

The Kingdom’s trade balance surplus has also shown remarkable growth, increasing by 53.4% compared to July 2024. This positive trend indicates a strengthening economic position, driven by the rise in non-oil exports and a controlled import strategy.

Major Trading Partners

China continues to hold its position as Saudi Arabia’s primary trading partner in merchandise. In July 2025, exports to China constituted 14% of total exports, while imports from the country represented 25.8% of total imports. This strong trade relationship highlights the importance of China in Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed as the second-largest trading partner, accounting for 10.6% of total exports and 6.4% of total imports. India also plays a significant role, contributing 9.4% to total exports.

Key Ports for Trade

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam emerged as a vital hub for imports, handling 26.1% of total imports in July 2025. Jeddah Islamic Port ranked second, managing 20.9% of total imports. These ports are crucial gateways for international trade, facilitating the flow of goods into and out of the Kingdom.

Data Compilation and Classification

The statistics regarding Saudi Arabia’s international trade are meticulously compiled by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). These figures are derived from administrative records maintained by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority for non-oil trade and the Ministry of Energy for oil trade.

Furthermore, the classification of the Kingdom’s exports and imports follows the Harmonised System (HS), a standardized numerical method developed by the World Customs Organisation. This classification ensures consistency and accuracy in trade reporting, enabling better analysis of economic trends.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s trade landscape is evolving, with a clear focus on enhancing non-oil exports and fostering international partnerships. The Kingdom’s strategic moves towards diversification are evident in the rising ratios of non-oil exports and the growing trade surplus, setting a promising trajectory for its economic future.