JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil trade surplus with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council countries jumped by more than 200 percent in April 2025, driven by a sharp rise in re-exports and strengthening regional economic ties.
According to the latest figures released by the General Authority for Statistics, the Kingdom posted a trade surplus of SR3.51 billion ($935 million) with GCC nations during the month, compared to just SR1.16 billion in April 2024 — a year-on-year increase of 203.2 percent.
The total value of non-oil trade, which includes re-exports, between Saudi Arabia and the GCC bloc reached SR18.03 billion in April, reflecting a robust 41.3 percent growth from SR12.76 billion in the same month last year.
This momentum is attributed to the accelerated pace of regional economic integration, supported by strategic initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and similar diversification programs across the Gulf. These frameworks aim to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons by fostering growth in sectors like logistics, finance, tourism, and manufacturing.
Non-oil exports — encompassing both national products and re-exported goods — saw a notable rise of 55 percent year on year to SR10.77 billion. Within this category, re-exports surged by 81 percent to SR7.74 billion, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a regional re-export hub. National-origin exports also rose by 13.3 percent, totaling SR3.03 billion.
