China and UAE top Saudi export markets in third quarter

China maintained its position as Saudi Arabia’s largest export market in the third quarter of 2025, followed by the UAE, according to official government data.

China accounted for 15 percent of the kingdom’s total exports, valued at SAR45 billion ($12 billion), the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported, quoting the General Authority for Statistics data.

The UAE ranked second with 11 percent (SAR33 billion), while India was placed third with 10 percent (SAR 29 billion).

Total international trade was SAR541 billion in the quarter ending September 2025, a 9 percent increase from SAR498 billion a year ago.

Saudi Arabia trade

Asia topped the export destinations, accounting for 72 percent of the total at SAR217 billion. Europe came next at 15 percent (SAR45 billion), followed by Africa at 7 percent (SAR22 billion) and the Americas at 6 percent (SAR8 billion).

Merchandise exports reached SAR303 billion, representing 56 percent of total trade during the quarter, while imports reached SAR237 billion, or 44 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of SAR66 billion.

Non-oil national exports, excluding re-exports, stood at SAR57 billion, accounting for 19 percent of total merchandise exports.  

Oil exports stood at SAR208 billion, accounting for 69 percent of total exports, the data showed.

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