Saudi Arabia experienced a 14.6 percent surge in container traffic in 2023, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Inbound traffic reached 3.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while outbound traffic totaled 2.2 million TEUs. This increase highlights the Kingdom’s growing role in global trade.
Outbound Cargo Growth
Outbound cargo volumes soared, reaching 203.5 million tonnes in 2023, reflecting the Kingdom’s expanding export activity. King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu handled the largest share, with 89.8 million tonnes of outbound cargo. Boosting exports, particularly non-oil goods, remains a priority for Saudi Arabia as it works to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues.
Inbound Cargo Highlights
The quantity of inbound cargo stood at 105.1 million tonnes in 2023. Jeddah Islamic Port managed the highest volume of imports, handling 38.9 million tonnes. This increase in inbound cargo further underscores the Kingdom’s strong trade relationships.
Increase in Ship Traffic
GASTAT also reported a 33.8 percent increase in ship traffic at Saudi ports in 2023. A total of 19,082 ships passed through the Kingdom’s ports. King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu saw the highest traffic, with 6,538 ships, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 4,411 ships and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam with 2,516 ships.
Total cargo handled at Saudi ports in 2023 reached 334 million tonnes, including 121.3 million tonnes of unloaded cargo and 213 million tonnes of loaded cargo. Jeddah Islamic Port led in unloaded cargo volume, handling 38.9 million tonnes. King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu handled the largest share of loaded cargo at 89.8 million tonnes. Passenger traffic also rose by 11.5 percent, with over 1 million travelers arriving and departing through the ports. Jazan Port led in passenger numbers, handling 484,598 travelers.
Infrastructure Expansion
The report noted that Saudi ports housed 989 cranes in 2023, with a total area covering 104 square kilometers. Ras Al Khair Port was the largest, spanning 23 square kilometers, reflecting the Kingdom’s ongoing infrastructure development to support growing trade and economic activity.
