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Saudi Arabia Launches 3rd Shipping Lane in 2020

Saudi Arabia Launches 3rd Shipping Lane in 2020
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Saudi Arabia Launches 3rd Shipping Lane in 2020

Saudi Arabia Launches 3rd Shipping Lane in 2020

Saudi Arabia announced Tuesday a strategy to develop its ports to ensure the flow of goods through supply chains.

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) announced launching the third shipping lane for the coastal transportation of container ships in the Red Sea.

It was launched across Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port (KAP) at Rabigh via the world’s largest container shipping operator, Maersk.

The shipping lane, the third launched since early 2020, ensures regular weekly trips, and is a sign that the Saudi economy remains resilient and its supply chains solid in light of the global economic situation.

It is an extension of the initiatives launched by Mawani as part of its National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), with the support of the Saudi logistics system and the follow-up of the Transport Minister.

The lane aims to consolidate connection between the Kingdom’s ports and other countries, attracting major international shipping companies.

It also aims to strengthen investment in the Kingdom and increasing non-oil exports.

The coastal transportation service will start and end at Jeddah Islamic Port, passing through Jordan’s Port of Aqaba, KAP, Jeddah Islamic Port and Egypt’s Port of Sokhna.

Mawani announced in May that it has started operating a new shipping line for container transportation between the Kingdom and East Asian countries, supported by the Logistics Committee and under the supervision of the Minister of Transport.

The new route will be operated through global shipping line Hyundai Merchant Marine and partly in agreement with the Alliance consisting of Hapag-Lloyd of Germany, OEN of Japan, and Yang Ming of Taiwan.

It seeks to facilitate regular trips to the port on a weekly basis serving industrial companies in Jubail and Ras al-Khair. The new route facilitates and accelerates direct import and export operations from East Asian countries and increases trade.

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Saudi Trade Surplus Hits 10-Month High as Imports Decline

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Trade Surplus Hits 10-Month High as Imports Decline

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Eastern Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia posted its highest trade surplus in 10 months in February, buoyed by a sharp drop in merchandise imports, a trend that supports state revenues, bolsters currency stability, and reflects strong global demand for locally produced goods.

The Kingdom recorded a trade surplus of 31 billion riyals ($8.26 billion) in February, up 44.6% from 21 billion riyals in January and higher than the 29 billion riyals recorded in the same month last year, data from the General Authority for Statistics showed.

The surge came despite a slight dip in exports, as merchandise imports fell by 5.6% month-on-month to 63 billion riyals ($16.7 billion) — the lowest level since late 2023. Meanwhile, merchandise exports stood at 94 billion riyals ($18.3 billion), down from 97 billion riyals in January.

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, rose 14.3% year-on-year in February to 26 billion riyals ($6.9 billion), up from 23 billion riyals in the same month last year, driven by ongoing efforts to boost domestic industry and global market access.

The growth comes as the Kingdom steps up its “Made in Saudi” initiative, aimed at helping local companies expand operations, tap new customer bases, and market their products to a wider audience. The program is part of Riyadh’s broader push to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.

Trade experts say the rise in exports relative to imports is supported by a mix of financial incentives, export facilitation, and expanded logistics infrastructure across air, land and sea.

China remained Saudi Arabia’s largest export destination in February, accounting for 16.2% of total exports. South Korea followed with 10.1%, and the United Arab Emirates came third with 9%.

Dr. Fawaz Alamy, an international trade expert, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the trade surplus reflects the Kingdom’s successful policies to stimulate the private sector and boost the competitiveness of national products abroad. He said recent regulatory reforms have eliminated key obstacles for exporters and helped create entities that support global expansion.

He added that government agencies are working closely with the private sector by providing consulting services, financing, and market targeting strategies to facilitate international trade.

“Saudi Arabia’s non-oil activities are now growing steadily and contributing more than 50% to GDP,” Alamy said, noting this aligns with Vision 2030 goals to build a diversified and thriving economy.

Economic analyst Ahmed Al-Shehri echoed the sentiment, saying February’s trade surplus highlights the success of government collaboration in enhancing the export environment, overcoming exporter challenges, and improving export-related knowledge and talent.

He added that authorities continue to support the private sector and create an attractive environment for local and foreign investment. “In recent years, the government has worked to understand and remove the challenges facing domestic companies to ensure they can drive economic growth,” Al-Shehri said.

He noted that the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP is now around 50%, adding: “Government agencies are actively helping manufacturers and exporters identify global market opportunities and deliver tailored support.”