Saudi Trade Surplus Expands in November 2025 Driven by Growth in Oil and Non-Oil Exports Despite Slight Import Decline

Riyadh | EcoPulse24

Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus saw a marked expansion in November 2025, driven by increased exports and stable, slightly reduced imports, strengthening the trade balance compared to the same period last year.

According to official data, the trade surplus rose to SAR 23.0 billion, up from SAR 13.1 billion in November 2024. This improvement was primarily due to a 10.0% year-on-year increase in total exports to SAR 100.0 billion, with oil exports up 5.4%, constituting 67.2% of total exports.

Non-oil exports posted a strong 20.7% jump, mainly thanks to a significant 81.5% increase in electrical machinery exports, which made up 24.2% of non-oil exports. China maintained its position as Saudi Arabia's top export destination with a 13.5% share, followed by the UAE at 11.7% and Japan at 9.9%.

On the import side, there was a slight 0.2% decrease to SAR 77.0 billion, mainly due to a 9.7% drop in imports of base metals and products. Imports of electrical machinery and parts, however, increased by 8.6%, making up 30.7% of total imports. China was also the largest source of imports with a 26.7% share, followed by the United States (10.2%) and the UAE (6.2%).

📊 Trade Balance Summary – November 2025

🌍 Top Export Destinations

🚢 Export Structure

📦 Import Sources

EcoPulse24 Analysis:
The expanding trade surplus reflects a dual improvement in the structure of Saudi Arabia’s foreign trade. Robust oil exports provided a stable foundation, while non-oil exports showed structural momentum, indicating diversification of the production base. Meanwhile, stable imports with a shifting composition suggest relative control over import demand and ongoing need for capital goods. This combination strengthens the trade balance and gives economic policy more room to balance growth and fiscal sustainability.