China top market for Saudi goods as non-oil exports rise

China was the main market for Saudi Arabian goods as non-oil exports rose 21 percent year on year in November 2025, according to official data.

Merchandise exports increased 10 percent year on year, while oil exports gained 5 percent, the Saudi General Authority for Statistics said in a report.

The percentage of oil in total exports fell to 67 percent in November from 70 percent in the same month a year earlier.

Imports declined marginally as the merchandise trade surplus rose 70 percent annually.

Re-exports more than doubled, driven by an 82 percent increase in machinery and electrical equipment, which accounted for 52 percent of total re-exports, the report said.

China accounted for 14 percent of all merchandise exports in November, followed by the UAE (12 percent) and Japan (10 percent).

Further reading:

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• Saudi oil exports to Chinese refiners expected to fall
• Chemicals and machinery push Saudi non-oil exports to record high

India, South Korea, the US, Egypt, Singapore, Bahrain and Poland were also among the top 10 export destinations. 

Shipments to the top 10 countries represent 71 percent of the kingdom’s overall exports.

China ranked first among Saudi Arabia’s merchandise sources, accounting for 27 percent of imports in November, followed by the US (10 percent) and the UAE (6 percent).