Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports climbed significantly in February, reaching SAR31.03 billion ($8.27 billion) as the Kingdom successfully diversifies its national economy. This impressive 15.1% year-on-year increase highlights the progress of Vision 2030 in reducing the nation’s historical reliance on crude oil revenues.
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released preliminary figures identifying the United Arab Emirates as the leading destination for Saudi products. Exports to the UAE reached SAR9.81 billion, while India and China secured the second and third positions for non-oil trade. Furthermore, India imported goods worth SAR2.25 billion, and China followed closely with imports totaling SAR2.17 billion during the same period.
Re-exports and Manufacturing Growth
The report highlights a 28.5% rise in re-exported goods, which specialized machinery and electrical equipment largely drove during this month. These specific sectors now represent over half of total re-exports, showcasing the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional logistics hub. Consequently, the percentage of oil exports within the total trade volume dropped from 71.5% to 68.7% since last year.
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam emerged as the primary gateway for imports, handling nearly a quarter of all incoming goods. Meanwhile, King Abdulaziz International Airport served as the leading outlet for non-oil exports, facilitating 18.9% of the total export volume. These logistics hubs continue to support the merchandise trade surplus, which remained robust despite a slight 1% decrease this year.
In conclusion, these figures confirm that Saudi Arabia is building a resilient economy through strategic international partnerships and enhanced manufacturing. The Kingdom continues to attract global interest while strengthening its position as a dominant force in non-oil international trade markets.
