Saudi Arabia recorded a merchandise trade surplus of approximately SAR 17.3 billion in June 2026, down about 10% compared with the same month a year earlier. The figure marks the smallest monthly surplus in roughly five months.
The June surplus reflected total merchandise exports of around SAR 87.7–87.8 billion against imports of about SAR 70.4–70.5 billion. Exports fell around 4.5% year-on-year, while imports declined about 3% over the same period. In June 2025, the surplus had stood at roughly SAR 19.2 billion, meaning the gap narrowed by close to SAR 1.9 billion.
The slowdown in June stands out against stronger performance earlier in the year. The trade surplus in the first quarter of 2026 was around SAR 90.5 billion, and the surplus for the first half of the year was reported at about SAR 155 billion.
It is worth noting that these are preliminary figures and may be revised. The May 2026 surplus, for example, was later adjusted from SAR 26 billion down to about SAR 21.9 billion. The data cover merchandise (goods) trade only, based on customs-recorded exports and imports, and do not include services.
Why it matters
The trade surplus is a key indicator of how much the Kingdom earns from selling goods abroad relative to what it imports. For residents and businesses, shifts in exports and imports offer a snapshot of the broader economic picture, including demand for foreign goods and the strength of overseas sales. The monthly national trade figures are published through official statistical channels and are freely available to the public.
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