Saudi Non-Oil Exports Rise 13.4% to USD 21.6 Billion in Q1 2025

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports grew by 13.4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching USD 21.6 billion, according to figures released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The share of non-oil exports to total imports rose to 36.2%, up from 34.3% in the same quarter of 2024, reflecting continued progress in the Kingdom’s trade diversification strategy.

Despite a 3.2% decline in total merchandise exports due to an 8.4% drop in oil exports, the shift in trade composition was marked. Oil’s share of total exports decreased from 75.9% in Q1 2024 to 71.8% in Q1 2025, as non-oil sectors gained ground. Imports rose by 7.3% over the same period, resulting in a 28% reduction in the overall trade surplus.

Chemical products were the leading category among non-oil exports, accounting for 23.8% of the total. Plastics and rubber products also contributed significantly. On the import side, machinery and electrical equipment made up 25.8% of the total—an 18.7% increase year-on-year—followed by transportation equipment at 14.6%.

China remained Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 15.7% of total exports and 26.6% of imports. Other top export destinations included India, Japan, South Korea, and Egypt. The main sources of imports were the United States, the UAE, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The Q1 2025 trade data reflects Saudi Arabia’s advancing efforts to diversify its economic base in line with Vision 2030, with growing contributions from non-oil sectors and broader international trade engagement.