Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, grew by 5.5 percent in August 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching SR29.28 billion, or about $7.81 billion. This rise was driven mainly by a 32.9 percent surge in re-exports, even though national non-oil exports excluding re-exports fell by 6.7 percent. The data comes from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), highlighting progress in economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts topped the list, making up 25.4 percent of non-oil shipments with a strong 79.8 percent annual increase. Chemical products followed with 22.7 percent of the share but saw a 7.4 percent drop year-on-year. Other key items included plastics, rubber, vehicles, and metals, supporting Saudi Arabia’s shift from oil reliance. Total merchandise exports hit SR99.09 billion, up 6.6 percent, with oil exports rising 7 percent to claim 70.5 percent of the total.
The United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer of non-oil goods at SR9.87 billion, followed by India at SR3.70 billion and China at SR1.96 billion. Other top destinations included Kuwait (SR1.03 billion), Egypt (SR813 million), Turkey (SR694 million), Jordan, and Singapore. Sea ports like Jeddah Islamic handled the most non-oil exports at SR3.40 billion, while land ports such as Al Bat’ha processed SR2.13 billion. Imports increased 7.4 percent to SR74.85 billion, leading to a 4.1 percent rise in the trade surplus.
This growth aligns with Vision 2030 goals, where non-oil activities expanded 4.6 percent in Q2 2025, contributing to 3.9 percent GDP growth for 18 straight quarters. Asia dominated as the biggest market for exports at SR72.43 billion. The Purchasing Managers’ Index reached 57.8 in August, the highest since March, signaling strong non-oil momentum. These trends show Saudi Arabia’s economy strengthening beyond oil, boosting jobs and investments. As re-exports boom, the kingdom eyes more global trade ties for sustainable growth.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What caused the 5.5% rise in Saudi non-oil exports?
Re-exports jumped 32.9% year-on-year, offsetting a 6.7% drop in national non-oil shipments, led by machinery and electrical equipment growth.
2. Which countries imported the most Saudi non-oil goods?
UAE topped at SR9.87 billion, followed by India (SR3.70 billion), China (SR1.96 billion), Kuwait, and Egypt as key destinations.
3. How does this fit into Saudi Arabia’s economic plans?
It supports Vision 2030 diversification, with non-oil GDP share at 56%, up from 40%, aiding 3.9% Q2 growth and reduced oil dependence.