The latest official data released by the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia reveals a significant improvement in intra-regional trade indicators. The Kingdom's non-oil trade surplus with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries saw a substantial increase in December 2025, reaching approximately SAR 5.84 billion . This figure represents an exceptional growth of 105% compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting the success of economic policies aimed at boosting trade and diversifying income sources.
Details of trade performance and exports
According to the statistical report, Saudi exports witnessed remarkable activity, with total non-oil merchandise exports (including re-exports) to the GCC countries reaching SAR 13.1 billion last December, marking a year-on-year increase of 43%. These figures underscore the strength of Gulf economic relations and the regional competitiveness of Saudi products and logistics services.
A detailed breakdown of export components reveals a strategic distribution reflecting the Kingdom's transformation into a global logistics hub. Re-exports for the largest share, valued at approximately SAR 10.3 billion, while exports of domestic origin reached around SAR 2.86 billion. This disparity clearly indicates the Kingdom's growing role as a major trade gateway in the region, leveraging its strategic geographic location and advanced port and logistics infrastructure.
Import and trade movement
On the other side of the balance, the Kingdom’s merchandise imports from the GCC countries recorded an increase of 15% year-on-year, reaching a value of about 7.3 billion riyals during December 2025. Despite this increase in imports, the large increase in the volume of exports and re-exports was sufficient to achieve a large surplus in the trade balance, which strengthens the position of the Saudi balance of payments.
Context of Vision 2030 and its economic impact
These figures cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader economic context of the Kingdom under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030. The strategy of diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil as the sole source of income is beginning to bear tangible fruit through the growth of non-oil sectors. Boosting non-oil exports is a key pillar of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), which aims to position the Kingdom as a global industrial and logistics hub.
This growth in the trade surplus carries significant economic implications at both the local and regional levels:
- Locally: It contributes to boosting non-oil GDP, supports currency stability, and creates new investment opportunities in the transport, storage, and manufacturing sectors.
- Regionally: This growth reflects the depth of economic integration among the GCC countries, and the success of the Gulf Common Market agreements in facilitating the movement of goods, thus paving the way for further economic cooperation and trade blocs in the face of global economic challenges.
In conclusion, these data point to a positive upward trajectory for the Saudi non-oil economy, which enhances confidence in sustainable development plans and confirms the Kingdom’s economic leadership in the region.
