Dairy Firms Consider Merging in Saudi Arabia

Dairy Firms Consider Merging in Saudi Arabia
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Dairy Firms Consider Merging in Saudi Arabia

Dairy Firms Consider Merging in Saudi Arabia

A number of small and medium dairy product companies in Saudi Arabia are considering merging.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the small and medium dairy firms in the Kingdom have an opportunity to merge -- this step is expected to achieve an increase in the companies’ capacity in production and outreach to customers, instead of only selling raw products to giant companies.

Furthermore, the decision to halt the production of green fodder locally would likely push towards merger among the small and medium dairy firms, especially since some of these small companies will not be able to directly import fodder, which requires direct financial and managerial capabilities.

Mergers might help prolong the longevity of firms in a way that allows them to regain part of their capital put into the industry. Studies revealed recently that small dairy companies will definitely merge with giant companies.

These developments at a time Saudi Arabia announced an implementation mechanism of the regulations regarding halting green fodder production.

During a news conference in Riyadh, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture said that the farmers in the country will be compelled in the future to issue an agricultural record by which the kind of activity, the cultivated space and the farm coordinates are determined.

In a related matter, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Ahmed al-Ayada revealed that the ministry’s approach stems from its keenness to maintain resources of underground waters.



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.