Saudi Non-Oil Exports Rise 8.5% in August 2026

Saudi Arabia's domestic non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, rose 8.5% year-on-year in August 2026, reaching approximately SAR 18.32 billion. The growth signals continued momentum in the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy away from oil.

Plastics, rubber, and related products led the gains, accounting for 22.6% of domestic non-oil exports and climbing 7.5% compared to the same month a year earlier. The category remains the single largest contributor to the Kingdom's non-oil shipments.

The United Arab Emirates was the top destination for Saudi non-oil goods, receiving shipments valued at around SAR 5.05 billion, underlining the strength of regional trade ties within the Gulf.

Broader trade picture

While domestic non-oil exports grew, the wider trade figures showed a mixed result. Total non-oil exports, including re-exports, declined 9.1% year-on-year, driven largely by a 34% drop in re-exports to approximately SAR 7.84 billion.

Oil exports fell 12.5% year-on-year and made up roughly 70% of total exports, while total merchandise exports declined 11.5% over the year.

For residents and the business community, the steady rise in domestically produced non-oil goods points to a maturing manufacturing and export base. Sectors such as plastics and rubber continue to create local jobs and strengthen the Kingdom's position as a regional trade hub, in line with long-term economic diversification goals.

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