Saudi Arabia's imports in November 2025: 77.4 billion riyals and details of the trade exchange
The latest data issued by the General Authority for Statistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showed new developments in the Kingdom's trade balance, as merchandise imports recorded a slight decrease to reach 77.4 billion riyals during November 2025. This announcement reflects the dynamics of the Saudi market and the movement of international trade in light of global economic changes.
Details of monthly and annual import performance
According to the statistical report, merchandise imports declined by 0.2% compared to the same period of the previous year (November 2024), marking the first annual decrease in nearly two years. On a monthly basis, imports fell by 7% compared to October 2025, with the value decreasing by approximately SAR 5.7 billion. This slight fluctuation reflects relative stability in supply chains and may indicate temporary inventory saturation in some sectors or a shift in seasonal consumption patterns.
Key imported goods: Technology and transportation lead the way
An analysis of the import structure reveals the Kingdom's continued focus on importing capital goods and technology that support infrastructure and development projects. The category of "machinery, mechanical appliances, electrical equipment, and their parts" for the largest share at 31% of total imports, valued at SAR 23.7 billion. This was followed by the transportation sector, where "vehicles, aircraft, ships, and similar transport equipment" constituted approximately 14% of the total. These figures clearly indicate the ongoing pace of development and major projects within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which necessitates advanced technology and heavy equipment.
Trading partners: China continues to dominate
Geographically, China its position as the Kingdom's largest trading partner in terms of imports, accounting for 27% of total imports in November 2025, valued at SAR 20.7 billion. The United States in second with imports valued at SAR 7.9 billion. These figures underscore the depth of economic ties between the Kingdom and East Asia, while maintaining strong strategic partnerships with the West.
Geographical concentration of imports
The data indicated a high concentration of import sources, with the top 10 exporting countries to the Kingdom accounting for 69% of total imports, equivalent to SAR 53.1 billion. This concentration reflects the stability of the Kingdom's main supply channels and its reliance on trusted partners to meet growing domestic demand.
Economic implications
This slight decrease is a healthy indicator within the macroeconomic context, as it may reflect the success of local content policies and the growing reliance on domestic industries in certain sectors, which is gradually reducing the import bill. Furthermore, the continued flow of machinery and equipment confirms that investment spending remains the primary driver of imports, rather than solely consumer goods, thus promising a bright industrial future for the Kingdom.
