Saudi Arabia recorded its highest quarterly level of non-oil exports since 2017 in the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting a significant structural shift in the Kingdom’s trade dynamics.
Data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed that the merchandise trade surplus rose 26.3 percent year on year in the fourth quarter, driven by strong growth in non-oil exports, which are playing an increasingly pivotal role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s external balance.
Non-oil exports, including re-exports, climbed a record 18.6 percent to SAR 97 billion ($25.8 billion), marking their highest quarterly level in eight years. These exports covered 39.4 percent of total imports during the period. As a result, the trade surplus widened to SAR 52.5 billion (about $14 billion), its highest level in three years.
Re-exports were the standout performer, surging 67.4 percent to SAR 40 billion ($10.6 billion). The sharp increase was largely fueled by growth in machinery, electrical equipment and appliances, which expanded 79.2 percent and accounted for roughly half of total re-exports.
Overall merchandise exports reached SAR 300 billion ($80 billion) in the fourth quarter, up 7.9 percent compared with the same period in 2024. Oil exports rose 3.5 percent year on year to SAR 203 billion ($54.1 billion). Imports also increased, rising 4.7 percent to SAR 248 billion ($66.1 billion)
Trade data underscored the depth of Saudi Arabia’s commercial ties with major global economies. China remained the Kingdom’s largest trading partner, accounting for 13.1 percent of total exports and 27.2 percent of imports.
The United Arab Emirates ranked second among export destinations, receiving 11.2 percent of Saudi exports.
Other leading export markets included Japan (9.9 percent), followed by India, South Korea, the United States, Bahrain, Egypt, Singapore and Poland. Collectively, these ten countries accounted for 70.9 percent of total Saudi exports.
On the import side, the United States ranked second after China, representing 8.7 percent of total imports. It was followed by the UAE (5.7 percent), Germany, India, Japan, Italy, France, Switzerland and Egypt. Together, these ten countries accounted for 67 percent of the Kingdom’s total imports.
Vision 2030 Driving Diversification
The record performance reflects the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub linking three continents. The exceptional expansion in re-exports and greater reliance on advanced air cargo infrastructure point to tangible progress in building a platform capable of attracting and redistributing high-tech goods and electrical equipment worldwide.
The figures also demonstrate growing economic resilience. Oil exports accounted for 67.5 percent of total exports in the fourth quarter of 2025, down from 70.4 percent a year earlier. This gradual diversification of the export base has helped reinforce trade stability, supporting the highest surplus recorded in three years.
