Saudi Merchandise Exports Drop 17.2% in July

Saudi Arabia's merchandise exports fell 17.2% year-on-year to SAR 84.38 billion in July 2026, reflecting a broad decline across both oil and non-oil sectors.

Oil exports dropped 12.8% during the month and continued to make up the bulk of outbound trade, accounting for 71.0% of total merchandise exports. Non-oil exports recorded a steeper decline of 14.8%, with plastics, rubber and related products falling 17.8%.

Merchandise imports also eased, dropping 15.4% to SAR 70.02 billion. Despite the softer exports, the Kingdom maintained a merchandise trade surplus of SAR 14.36 billion for the month.

China remained Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner for both exports and imports, underscoring the strength of trade ties between the two economies.

Why it matters

Trade figures offer a snapshot of the wider economic picture that affects businesses and residents alike. Movements in exports and imports can influence local supply, pricing and job opportunities across sectors. The continued trade surplus points to the Kingdom exporting more than it imports, while the effort to grow non-oil trade remains central to long-term diversification goals under رؤية السعودية 2030.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving