Saudi Arabia's International Trade Statistics for April 2025 Indicate Decline in Merchandise Exports and Trade Surplus

Strategic Insights -

The Kingdom's merchandise exports decreased by 10.9% in April 2025 compared to the same period last year, amounting to SAR90.3 billion, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Non-oil exports, including re-exports, showed a significant increase of 24.6% in April 2025, reaching SAR28.4 billion. Meanwhile, imports in April 2025 increased by 18.3%, reaching SAR76.1 billion, resulting in a sharp decline of 61.7% in the trade surplus, which dropped to SAR14.2 billion compared to April 2024. The bulletin noted an increase in the ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports, reaching 37.2% in April 2025, up from 35.4% in April 2024. Chemical industry products were the top non-oil export goods, accounting for 26.4% of total non-oil exports.

Key Takeaways:

  • Saudi Arabia's merchandise exports decreased by 10.9% in April 2025 compared to April 2024, amounting to SAR90.3 billion.
  • Non-oil exports, including re-exports, increased by 24.6% in April 2025, reaching SAR28.4 billion.
  • Imports in April 2025 increased by 18.3%, reaching SAR76.1 billion.
  • The trade surplus declined by 61.7% in April 2025, dropping to SAR14.2 billion compared to April 2024.
  • The ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports increased to 37.2% in April 2025 from 35.4% in April 2024.
  • Chemical industry products were the top non-oil export goods, accounting for 26.4% of total non-oil exports.
  • Machinery, electrical equipment, and their parts were the largest category of imported goods, totaling SAR21.1 billion, representing 26% of total imports.
  • China remained the Kingdom's top trading partner in April 2025, with exports to China amounting to SAR11.4 billion and imports from China totaling SAR19 billion.

Statistics:

  • 10.9% decrease in Saudi Arabia's merchandise exports in April 2025 compared to April 2024
  • SAR28.4 billion in non-oil exports (including re-exports) in April 2025, a 24.6% increase over the same period last year
  • 18.3% increase in imports in April 2025, reaching SAR76.1 billion
  • 61.7% decline in the trade surplus in April 2025, dropping to SAR14.2 billion compared to April 2024
  • 37.2% increase in the ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports in April 2025 compared to April 2024
  • 26.4% share of chemical industry products in total non-oil exports in April 2025
  • 26% share of "machinery, electrical equipment, and their parts" in total imports in April 2025
  • 12.6% share of China in total exports in April 2025
  • 25% share of China in total imports in April 2025

Sources:

  • (Saudi Press Agency) The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT)