Saudi Arabia Achieves Record Non-Oil Exports in Fourth Quarter 2025, Boosting Trade Surplus

Saudi Arabia has posted its highest quarterly non-oil exports since 2017, signaling a major shift in the Kingdom’s trade structure during the fourth quarter of 2025.

According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the merchandise trade surplus jumped 26.3% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, fueled by strong non-oil export growth, which is increasingly contributing to Saudi Arabia’s external balance.

Non-Oil Exports Reach Eight-Year High

Non-oil exports, including re-exports, surged 18.6% to SAR 97 billion ($25.8 billion), marking the highest level in eight years. These exports accounted for 39.4% of total imports during the period. Consequently, the trade surplus expanded to SAR 52.5 billion ($14 billion), the highest level in three years.

Re-Exports Lead Growth

Re-exports emerged as the standout performer, rising 67.4% to SAR 40 billion ($10.6 billion). Machinery, electrical equipment, and appliances were the main contributors, surging 79.2% and accounting for about half of total re-exports.

Overall merchandise exports reached SAR 300 billion ($80 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2025, up 7.9% compared to the same period in 2024. Oil exports increased 3.5% to SAR 203 billion ($54.1 billion), while imports grew 4.7% to SAR 248 billion ($66.1 billion).

Strong Global Trade Partnerships

Trade data highlights Saudi Arabia’s robust economic ties with major global partners. China remained the top trading partner, representing 13.1% of total exports and 27.2% of imports. The UAE ranked second among export destinations at 11.2%, followed by Japan (9.9%), India, South Korea, the United States, Bahrain, Egypt, Singapore, and Poland. These ten countries collectively accounted for 70.9% of Saudi exports.

On the import side, the United States was second after China at 8.7%, followed by the UAE (5.7%), Germany, India, Japan, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Egypt, together representing 67% of total imports.

Vision 2030 Drives Export Diversification

The record performance aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The surge in re-exports and growth in advanced air cargo infrastructure demonstrate progress in attracting and redistributing high-tech goods worldwide.

The figures also reflect growing economic resilience. Oil exports now account for 67.5% of total exports, down from 70.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024. This gradual diversification has strengthened trade stability, supporting the highest trade surplus recorded in three years.