Saudi Arabia Maintains $4.8 Billion Trade Surplus Despite Export Decline

Saudi Arabia recorded a merchandise trade surplus of about SR18 billion ($4.8 billion) in June, as lower imports helped offset a decline in exports, according to official figures.

Data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed that merchandise exports fell 4.5 percent from a year earlier, while imports declined by 3 percent. The resulting trade surplus was about 10 percent smaller than the figure recorded in June 2025.

Oil remained the main driver of Saudi exports, accounting for 72 percent of total merchandise exports. Oil shipments fell 2.3 percent year on year, although their share of overall exports increased from 70.4 percent a year earlier.

The figures come as Saudi Arabia adjusts its trade and energy routes amid disruption caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has faced pressure, prompting the Kingdom to make greater use of alternative transportation routes and Red Sea infrastructure.

Non-oil exports, including re-exports, declined 9.7 percent in June compared with the same month last year. National non-oil exports excluding re-exports dropped 11.4 percent.

Re-exported goods fell 6.7 percent during the month, with machinery, electrical equipment and related parts recording a particularly sharp decline of 41.7 percent. The category represented 36.1 percent of total re-exports.

Plastics, rubber and related products remained the largest non-oil export category, accounting for 20.7 percent of the total. However, exports in the group declined 12.8 percent from a year earlier. Chemical products and related industries represented 19.2 percent and recorded a 30.4 percent decline.

On the import side, machinery, electrical equipment and parts accounted for 25.7 percent of total imports, despite falling 20.4 percent year on year. Chemical products were the second-largest category, making up 11.2 percent of imports and rising 30.5 percent.

China remained Saudi Arabia’s largest source of imports, supplying 22 percent of the total. Switzerland followed with 8.4 percent, while the United States accounted for 8.3 percent.

Japan was the biggest destination for Saudi exports, receiving 13.2 percent of total merchandise shipments. South Korea followed at 11.5 percent and China at 9.4 percent.

Jeddah Islamic Port handled the largest share of Saudi trade during June, accounting for 37.2 percent of imports and 31.9 percent of non-oil exports.

GASTAT noted that the 2026 figures are preliminary and are based on administrative records from Saudi authorities, including data supplied by the Ministry of Energy for oil exports.