RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports experienced significant growth in September 2025, increasing by 21.7 percent compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). This surge indicates a continued diversification of the Saudi economy away from its traditional reliance on petroleum. The report also covers trade performance for the third quarter of 2025, revealing broader trends in the Kingdom’s international commerce.
The GASTAT bulletin, published Tuesday, detailed that national non-oil exports – excluding re-exports – also saw a rise, albeit a more modest one, of 2.8 percent. This positive momentum in both direct and re-exported goods contributes to a strengthening trade balance for Saudi Arabia. The data provides a snapshot of the Kingdom’s evolving trade relationships and its progress toward economic diversification goals outlined in Vision 2030.
Growth in Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Exports Signals Economic Diversification
The substantial increase in re-exported goods, up 72.2 percent year-on-year, suggests Saudi Arabia is playing an increasingly important role as a regional trade hub. Total merchandise exports rose by 14 percent, bolstered by a 10.7 percent increase in oil exports. However, the proportion of oil in total exports decreased from 70.4 percent in September 2024 to 68.4 percent in September 2025, demonstrating the growing influence of other sectors.
Importantly, merchandise imports also increased, rising by 2.8 percent. This growth, combined with the expansion of non-oil exports, led to an improved ratio of non-oil exports to imports, reaching 42.5 percent compared to 35.9 percent the previous year. This improvement highlights a more balanced trade position for the Kingdom.
Key Commodities Driving Export Growth
Electrical machinery, equipment, and parts were the leading non-oil export commodities, representing 25.7 percent of the total. Chemical industry products followed closely behind, accounting for 22 percent of non-oil exports. These sectors are key targets for investment and development under Saudi Arabia’s economic reform plans.
Interestingly, electrical machinery, equipment, and parts also constituted the largest category of imports, making up 30.5 percent of the total. This suggests a strong domestic demand for these products, potentially linked to infrastructure projects and industrial expansion. The demand for Saudi trade in these areas is expected to continue.
China maintained its position as Saudi Arabia’s primary trading partner in September 2025, handling 14.4 percent of total exports and supplying 28.2 percent of total imports. This long-standing relationship reflects China’s significant role in global supply chains and its growing economic ties with the Middle East. International trade with China remains crucial for Saudi Arabia’s economic outlook.
Looking at the broader third quarter of 2025, non-oil exports continued their upward trend, increasing by 19.4 percent compared to Q3 2024. However, national non-oil exports experienced a slight decline of 0.4 percent, a potential area for further investigation. Re-exports continued to be a major driver, increasing by 69.6 percent during the same period.
Total goods exports for Q3 2025 increased by 9.5 percent, driven by a 5.5 percent rise in oil exports. The share of oil exports in total exports decreased from 71.1 percent in Q3 2024 to 68.5 percent in Q3 2025, reinforcing the trend of economic diversification. Goods imports rose by 7.5 percent year-on-year, and the trade balance surplus grew by 17.2 percent.
The composition of exports remained consistent, with electrical machinery, equipment, and parts leading at 26.9 percent, followed by chemical industry products at 21.4 percent. Similarly, electrical machinery, equipment, and parts were the largest import group, accounting for 30 percent of total imports. China also held its position as the top trading partner for the third quarter, representing 14.9 percent of total exports and 27.6 percent of total imports.
The GASTAT data indicates a sustained effort to diversify the Saudi economy is yielding positive results, although fluctuations in national non-oil exports warrant attention. The Kingdom’s strategic location and growing infrastructure continue to support its role as a regional trade hub. Further analysis will be needed to determine the long-term impact of these trends.
Looking ahead, GASTAT is expected to release the full-year trade data for 2025 in early 2026. Monitoring these figures will be crucial for assessing the continued success of Saudi Arabia’s diversification initiatives and its overall economic performance. The ongoing geopolitical landscape and global economic conditions will undoubtedly influence future trade patterns and require ongoing evaluation.
