Saudi Trade Surplus Drops 25% Amid Export Decline

Saudi Arabia's merchandise trade surplus decreased by 25% in July compared to the same month last year, reaching SR14.36 billion ($3.83 billion), according to preliminary data from the General Authority for Statistics.

The decline was partly cushioned by a decrease in imports, which fell 15.4% to SR70.02 billion. However, exports also declined, dropping 17.2% year on year to SR84.38 billion.

The increase in oil exports from 67.4% of total exports in July 2025 to 71% in July 2026 was a notable trend, while non-oil exports decreased by 26.2% compared to the same month last year.