Saudi Arabia’s trade performance in recent months reveals significant shifts in both exports and imports, with notable implications for its economic landscape. Recent data shared by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) indicates a decline in merchandise exports and imports, signifying ongoing adjustments within the kingdom’s commercial activities.
Decline in Exports and Imports
According to GASTAT, merchandise exports dropped by 17.2% year-on-year, amounting to SR84.38 billion (approximately $22.5 billion). This decline is mirrored in the import sector as well, which saw a reduction of 15.4%, bringing total imports to SR70.02 billion ($18.7 billion). Despite these declines, Saudi Arabia successfully maintained a trade surplus, though it was 25% lower than in July 2025.
Egypt’s Unique Position in African Trade
Notably, Egypt emerged as a standout trading partner for Saudi Arabia within Africa, being the only African nation to rank among the top ten destinations for Saudi exports and sources for imports in July. On the export front, Egypt is grouped with major economies like China, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, collectively representing 67.2% of Saudi merchandise exports. Conversely, on the import front, Egypt ranked alongside China, the US, and Germany, accounting for 64.7% of the kingdom’s imports. These figures highlight a concentrated trading relationship, with no other African nations appearing in these critical lists during the same period.
Asia and Gulf Cooperation Council Dominance
Despite Egypt’s prominent role, Saudi Arabia’s trade patterns remain heavily skewed toward Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. China emerged as the kingdom’s largest export destination, receiving 13.4% of total shipments, closely followed by the UAE and Japan with 10% and 8.7%, respectively. When it comes to imports, China again leads, accounting for 22.7% of the goods entering Saudi Arabia, while the US and Switzerland follow. The UAE continues to be the principal market for non-oil exports, illustrating the GCC’s significant influence on Saudi trade dynamics.
The Central Role of Oil and Changing Logistics
Oil remains a central component of Saudi Arabia’s export economy, constituting 71% of total exports, up from 67.4% in July 2025. However, non-oil exports have faced a decline, indicating challenges in sectors outside hydrocarbons. Notably, the figures also reveal a shift in import patterns, with machinery and electrical equipment making up 25.7% of total purchases.
In light of recent disruptions to shipping routes through vital passages, Saudi Arabia has shifted its focus toward its East-West pipeline and Red Sea ports to sustain trade flows. This adaptation showcases the kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its logistical strategies while mitigating risks associated with Gulf shipping disruptions. As Saudi Arabia continues on its path of economic diversification under Vision 2030, these evolving trade dynamics will be pivotal in shaping its future economic landscape, balancing reliance on oil with greater trade partnerships across Africa, Asia, and beyond.