FX.co ★ Saudi Arabia Trade Surplus Smallest in 4 Months

In April 2025, Saudi Arabia's trade surplus significantly decreased to SAR 14.2 billion, a sharp drop from SAR 37.0 billion recorded in the same month of the previous year—marking the smallest trade surplus observed since December. This decline was driven by a decrease in exports coupled with a rise in imports. Exports fell by 10.9% year-on-year, reaching a seven-month low of SAR 90.3 billion, primarily due to a substantial 21.2% decline in oil exports, which make up 68.6% of the total exports. Conversely, non-oil exports surged by 24.6%. China remained the primary recipient of Saudi exports, accounting for 12.6% of the total, followed by Japan at 10.1%, and the UAE at 9.8%. On the imports front, there was an 18.3% increase, amounting to SAR 76.1 billion. This surge was driven by a notable rise in the purchase of machinery, electrical equipment, and parts, which increased by 25.4% and accounted for 27.7% of total imports. Additionally, imports of transportation equipment and parts rose dramatically by 64.5%, representing 17.2% of total imports. Among major import sources, China held the largest share at 25.0%, trailed by the US at 7.5%, and the UAE at 6.8%.