Saudi Arabia recorded a trade surplus of SAR90.5 billion during the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 43.7%. The surplus increased by more than SAR27 billion compared with the same period in 2025, when it stood at approximately SAR63 billion, according to the General Authority for Statistics’ International Trade Bulletin for March.
The data showed that the trade surplus increased by 60% on a quarterly basis. It rose by more than SAR33.9 billion compared with the fourth quarter of 2025, when the surplus totaled approximately SAR56.5 billion. On a monthly basis, the trade surplus continued to grow in March 2026. It increased by 200.9%, rising by more than SAR38 billion compared with February, when the surplus stood at approximately SAR19.1 billion.
According to the data, Saudi Arabia’s total international trade exceeded SAR535 billion during Q1 2026, achieving year-on-year growth of 4.5%. This represents an increase of approximately SAR22.9 billion compared with the same period last year, when total trade reached SAR512.3 billion. Total merchandise exports in Q1 2026 reached approximately SAR312.8 billion, compared with imports of approximately SAR222.3 billion. National exports, including oil and non-oil exports, totaled SAR274.5 billion.
The data also showed that the value of re-exports exceeded SAR38 billion during the first quarter, achieving year-on-year growth of 32.9%. This represents an increase of more than SAR9 billion compared with the corresponding period last year, when re-exports totaled around SAR28.8 billion.
Among trading partners, Asian countries ranked first among importers of Saudi exports, with a value exceeding SAR229.2 billion. They were followed by European countries with more than SAR47 billion, African countries with SAR22.5 billion, and countries in the Americas with approximately SAR12.6 billion. China remained the largest importer of Saudi exports during the first quarter, with imports valued at SAR44.8 billion.
Regarding non-oil exports, including re-exports, shipments passed through 32 land, sea, and air customs ports, with a value exceeding SAR86.1 billion. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah ranked first, handling exports valued at SAR17.5 billion, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with exports exceeding SAR12 billion.
These results reflect the continued strength of Saudi Arabia’s foreign trade performance, supported by growth in national exports and re-exports, alongside expanding commercial activity and stronger trade relations with countries around the world.
Source: Riyadh Daily