Merchandise exports reached $81.2 billion during the quarter, driven by improved output across petrochemicals, metals and refined products. Oil exports remained the dominant contributor, though their proportional share continued to narrow as non-oil national exports climbed to $15.2 billion. That segment accounted for 18.8 per cent of total merchandise exports, supported by gains in manufactured goods, plastics, fertilisers and processed foods. Economists tracking the data note that this performance suggests an accelerating shift underway in several value-added industries targeted under the kingdom’s economic transformation strategy. Re-exports also increased, aided by logistics investments in Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and emerging hubs around Riyadh.
Imports rose to $62.8 billion, reflecting higher purchases of machinery, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals and electrical components. Analysts say the rise indicates stronger private-sector activity and expanded production capacity across energy-intensive and technology-driven sectors. Capital equipment orders often serve as an early signal of future industrial output, and trade specialists see the import data as an indicator of pipeline growth in construction, advanced manufacturing and mining.
Officials from the General Authority for Statistics attributed the overall trade expansion to stable oil output, improved global freight conditions and increased participation in international supply chains. A series of trade agreements and logistics reforms also supported flows, including streamlined customs processing and broader use of digital clearance systems at major ports. Riyadh has been stepping up efforts to position itself as a regional trade and investment gateway, supported by transport infrastructure upgrades and new free-zone initiatives.
Market observers point to industrial investments made by state-linked entities and large private groups as significant contributors to non-oil merchandise growth. New petrochemical facilities, automotive assembly lines and minerals-processing plants have been scaling up operations this year. One senior economist said the momentum in non-oil exports is becoming more consistent, reflecting multi-year capital deployment across sectors expected to underpin the kingdom’s economic trajectory over the next decade. The strong showing in plastics and polymers was attributed to improved capacity utilisation at major complexes, while metals exports benefited from expanded rolling and extrusion output.
Trade analysts also highlighted growing shipments to key markets in Asia, Europe and Africa. Demand for fertilisers increased amid agricultural supply pressures in several markets, while plastics and packaging materials registered gains due to manufacturing expansion in East and Southeast Asia. Exports to Gulf neighbours also edged higher as cross-border industrial supply chains strengthened. Import patterns showed continued reliance on equipment and intermediate goods from China, the United States, Germany, South Korea and Japan.
The quarter’s figures come against a backdrop of evolving global trade dynamics, including moderated shipping costs and renewed volatility in commodity markets. Energy analysts say oil exports remained relatively stable in value terms due to balanced production levels and price movements that held within a narrow band for much of the quarter. Refining margins supported the export of derivative products, contributing to overall goods trade even as crude’s share eased marginally.
Economists caution that external factors—such as fluctuations in oil prices, ongoing geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies among major economies—could influence Saudi Arabia’s trade outlook in the months ahead. However, they emphasise that the kingdom’s diversification strategy is beginning to show measurable effects through expanded non-oil capacity, enhanced logistics capabilities and broader participation in advanced manufacturing.
The government’s focus on building industrial ecosystems around mining, automotive production, hydrogen, renewable energy equipment and digital technologies has been central to this shift. Several multinational companies announced new partnerships and expansions during the quarter, adding to expectations of growing export potential in sectors beyond hydrocarbons. Officials say the rise in non-oil exports demonstrates that these industries are beginning to scale, though further investment and workforce development will be required to sustain momentum.
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