In an unexpected announcement, Saudi Arabia recorded a trade balance of 61.52 billion riyals (approximately 16.4 billion dollars) in the second quarter of 2026, showing an astonishing growth of 62% compared to the previous year. These figures were released by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) and reflect the dynamism of the market and the strength of the country's exports.
Growth in Exports and Decrease in Imports
According to the published data, total exports of Saudi goods during this period reached 285.98 billion riyals, representing a 4% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, imports of goods decreased to 224.46 billion riyals, indicating an increase in domestic production capacity and a reduction in dependence on foreign goods.
In the first quarter of 2026, the trade balance reached 90.5 billion riyals, which is 43.7% higher than the previous year. This balance also grew by 60% compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, surpassing 56.5 billion riyals. Additionally, in March, the trade balance increased by 200.9% compared to February, reaching 38 billion riyals.
Growing International Trade
The total volume of international trade in Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of this year exceeded 535 billion riyals, marking a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. Total exports of goods in this quarter reached 312.8 billion riyals, while imports decreased to 222.3 billion riyals. National exports, including oil and non-oil goods, reached 274.5 billion riyals.
The statistics also show that the value of re-exported goods in the first quarter of this year exceeded 38 billion riyals, reflecting a 32.9% increase compared to the previous year. In trade terms, Asian countries topped the list by purchasing over 229.2 billion riyals from Saudi Arabia, while China, with imports of 44.8 billion riyals, is the largest buyer of Saudi goods.
These results clearly demonstrate the strength and dynamism of Saudi Arabia's foreign trade, which is expanding trade relations with various countries around the world through growing exports and international business activities.
