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Exports

Saudi Arabia's Trade Balance Sees Growth in August 2025

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports recorded an increase of 5.5% in August 2025 compared to the same month of 2024, according to the International Trade bulletin issued by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). This growth was driven by a 7.4% rise in imports, resulting in a trade balance surplus growth of 4.1% compared with August 2024. The country's largest trading partners remained China, accounting for 16.2% of total exports and 26.4% of total imports, followed by the United Arab Emirates and India. The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam was the main entry point for imports, handling 25.6% of the total, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 21.9%.

Key Takeaways:

  • Non-oil exports increased by 5.5% in August 2025 compared to the same month of 2024, led by machinery, electrical equipment, and parts, accounting for 25.4% of total non-oil exports.
  • Chemical products ranked second in non-oil exports, with a share of 22.7%, followed by transportation equipment and parts, which accounted for 14.1% of total imports, up by 6.1% over the same period.
  • Oil exports rose by 7% during the same month, increasing their share of total goods exports from 70.2% in August 2024 to 70.5% in August 2025.
  • The trade balance recorded a surplus growth of 4.1% compared with August 2024, driven by a 7.4% rise in imports.
  • China remained Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner, accounting for 16.2% of total exports and 26.4% of total imports.
  • The United Arab Emirates and India ranked as the second and third largest trading partners, with 11.1% of exports and 5.4% of imports, and 9.2% of exports, respectively.
  • Exports from the Kingdom to the top 10 countries accounted for 67.4% of the total, while imports from the top 10 countries made up 64.5%.
  • King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam was the main entry point for imports, handling 25.6% of the total imports, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 21.9%.

Statistics:

  • Non-oil exports in August 2025 increased by 5.5% compared to the same month of 2024.
  • Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts accounted for 25.4% of total non-oil exports.
  • Chemical products accounted for 22.7% of total non-oil exports.
  • Oil exports rose by 7% in August 2025 compared to the same month of 2024.
  • The trade balance recorded a surplus growth of 4.1% compared with August 2024.
  • Imports increased by 7.4% in August 2025 compared to the same month of 2024.
  • China accounted for 16.2% of total exports and 26.4% of total imports in August 2025.
  • The United Arab Emirates accounted for 11.1% of exports and 5.4% of imports in August 2025.
  • India accounted for 9.2% of exports in August 2025.
  • Exports to the top 10 countries accounted for 67.4% of total exports in August 2025.
  • Imports from the top 10 countries accounted for 64.5% of total imports in August 2025.
  • King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam handled 25.6% of total imports in August 2025.
  • Jeddah Islamic Port handled 21.9% of total imports in August 2025.

Sources:

  • General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) - International Trade bulletin, August 2025.
  • Saudi Press Agency (SPA) - Trade Balance Sees Growth in August 2025, October 26, 2025.

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