Saudi Arabia Reports Strong Growth in Non-Oil Exports in January

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, rose 22.1 percent year on year in January to SR32.57 billion ($8.68 billion), driven by trade with the UAE, India, and China, official data showed.

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) reported that non-oil exports to the UAE reached SR11.59 billion over the month, followed by India at SR2.68 billion, and China at SR2.42 billion. Analysts say the increase highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond crude oil, with shipments of industrial goods and re-exports helping to stabilize export earnings amid volatile oil markets.

The growth also reflects stronger regional trade links and improved logistics capacity, as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a major export and re-export hub connecting Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. According to GASTAT, the ratio of non-oil exports, including re-exports, to imports rose to 40 percent in January 2026, compared to 34.9 percent in the same month last year. This came alongside a 6.5 percent increase in imports over the same period.

Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts led the non-oil export basket, accounting for 24.2 percent of outbound shipments and posting a 77.5 percent annual rise. Products of the chemical industries followed, representing 19.2 percent of total non-oil exports.

Overall merchandise exports in January reached SR98.71 billion, marking a 1.4 percent increase compared to January 2025. China remained the top destination for Saudi merchandise exports, absorbing 15.1 percent of the total, followed by the UAE at 12.9 percent and India at 9.8 percent. Other leading destinations included Japan, South Korea, Bahrain, Singapore, Egypt, Malta, and the United States.

Imports totaled SR81.41 billion in January, up 6.5 percent from the previous year, while the merchandise trade surplus fell 17.5 percent. China was the largest source of imports, accounting for 31 percent of inbound shipments, followed by the UAE at 7.7 percent and the US at 6.9 percent. Other key suppliers included India, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, France, and South Korea.

King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam handled the largest share of imports, managing 27.7 percent of incoming goods. Jeddah Islamic Port followed with 18.8 percent, ahead of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 15.8 percent and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 13.6 percent.

The data illustrates Saudi Arabia’s accelerating push to strengthen its non-oil sector, both through expanding industrial exports and leveraging its geographic position as a regional trade hub. Officials say continued investment in infrastructure and logistics will be key to sustaining this growth in the months ahead.