Saudi Arabia’s trade with Arab League nations, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reached SAR87.768 billion ($23.39 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing 17.2 percent of the Kingdom’s total global trade of SAR510.9 billion.
This trade volume demonstrates a 6.2 percent annual growth rate, exceeding the Q4 2023 figure of SAR82.679 billion by over SAR5 billion.
According to the General Authority for Statistics‘ quarterly International Trade Bulletin, Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus with Arab League countries, including the GCC, significantly increased to SAR30.461 billion in Q4 2024, up from SAR22.185 billion in the same period of 2023, marking a 37.3 percent annual growth.
Exports to Arab League countries surpass SAR59 billion
Saudi Arabia’s total exports to Arab League countries amounted to SAR59.114 billion. Of this, SAR39.507 billion were destined for GCC nations, accounting for 14.2 percent of the Kingdom’s total global exports of SAR277.932 billion. Exports to non-GCC Arab League countries reached SAR19.607 billion, representing 7.1 percent of total exports.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s imports from Arab League countries totaled SAR28.653 billion, or 12.3 percent of total imports. Notably, SAR18.354 billion came from GCC countries and SAR10.298 billion came from other Arab League nations. The Kingdom’s total global imports reached SAR233.042 billion.
UAE emerges as top Arab export destination
The UAE emerged as Saudi Arabia’s top Arab export destination in Q4 2024, with exports exceeding SAR23.512 billion. Bahrain followed with SAR8.423 billion, Egypt with SAR8.353 billion, Oman with SAR4.434 billion, and Jordan with SAR2.999 billion.
Propelled by its ambitious Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is surpassing economic projections, establishing itself as a significant global force. Its unique geographical position, connecting three continents, positions it as a pivotal trade and investment hub, supported by progressive economic policies and infrastructure.
The Kingdom’s diversification efforts are yielding substantial growth, with non-oil exports and strategic partnerships contributing to record figures.
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Non-oil exports rise 10.7 percent in January
In an earlier report, GASTAT revealed that Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, including re-exports, recorded an annual increase of 10.7 percent in January 2025. Merchandise exports increased by 2.4 percent, while oil exports decreased by 0.4 percent. Consequently, the percentage of oil exports out of total exports decreased from 74.8 percent in January 2024 to 72.7 percent in January 2025.
On the other hand, imports increased by 8.3 percent in January 2025, whereas the surplus of the merchandise trade balance decreased by 11.9 percent compared to January 2024.
In January 2025, exports to China amounted to 15.2 percent of total exports, making this country the main destination for the Kingdom’s exports. Followed next by India with 10.9 percent of total exports and Japan with 10.2 percent of total exports. South Korea, the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, the U.S., Malaysia, and Singapore were the other countries that ranked in the top 10 destinations. Exports of the Kingdom to those 10 countries account for 67.5 percent of total exports.
