Saudi Non-oil Exports to China Exceed SAR 176 Billion

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports to China exceeded SAR 176 billion over the past five years (2019–2023), according to official data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The figures underscore the deepening economic partnership between the Kingdom and the world’s second-largest economy, with China serving as a primary destination for 15% of Saudi exports, as reported in GASTAT’s international trade report for the first quarter of 2024. The milestone reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to diversify its export base under Vision 2030 and strengthen trade ties with key global markets.

Context and Background

The economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and China has grown steadily over the past decade, anchored in mutual interests across energy, trade, and investment. China’s role as a leading consumer and manufacturing hub makes it a vital partner for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sectors, particularly chemicals, polymers, and metals. The Saudi Export Development Authority (SAUDI EXPORTS) has been instrumental in this expansion, working to improve market access for Saudi products and services in China through participation in specialized exhibitions and business facilitation.

Key Details

According to GASTAT, the chemicals and polymers sector led Saudi non-oil exports to China during the five-year period, followed by the metals sector. SAUDI EXPORTS is actively supporting this momentum by organizing Saudi participation in upcoming events such as the Transport and Logistics Exhibition 2024 in China, where 16 leading national companies will showcase their logistical and technical services. This initiative highlights the growing importance of services exports, which saw a 40% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching SAR 182 billion (preliminary data). The travel sector accounted for 74% of total services exports, valued at SAR 135 billion, while transportation and communication services contributed SAR 24.2 billion and SAR 6.3 billion, respectively.

Implications and Impact

The sustained growth of Saudi non-oil exports to China signals the Kingdom’s success in diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons. It also strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations, which was reinforced by high-level visits, including the 2016 meeting between Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the 2019 visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to China. These engagements have paved the way for agreements on infrastructure, production capacity, and trade, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This export milestone directly supports Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying national income sources and expanding non-oil exports. SAUDI EXPORTS continues to empower exporters by providing market studies, workshops, and solutions to logistical and regulatory challenges, ensuring Saudi products remain competitive globally. As the Kingdom deepens its economic ties with China, these efforts contribute to sustainable growth, job creation, and the realization of the leadership’s aspirations for a prosperous, diversified economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total value of Saudi non-oil exports to China over the past five years?

A1. Saudi non-oil exports to China exceeded SAR 176 billion over the past five years (2019–2023), according to the General Authority for Statistics.

Q2. Which Saudi authority released the data on non-oil exports to China?

A2. The data was released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) in its international trade report for the first quarter of 2024.

Q3. What percentage of Saudi exports go to China?

A3. China is the primary destination for 15% of Saudi exports, according to GASTAT.

Q4. Which sectors contributed most to Saudi non-oil exports to China?

A4. The chemicals and polymers sector led the contributions, followed by the metals sector.

Q5. What is the role of SAUDI EXPORTS in enhancing trade with China?

A5. SAUDI EXPORTS works to improve market access for Saudi products in China, facilitates business deals, and organizes participation in specialized exhibitions.

Q6. What upcoming exhibition will SAUDI EXPORTS participate in in China?

A6. SAUDI EXPORTS will participate in the Transport and Logistics Exhibition 2024 in China.

Q7. How many Saudi companies will join the Transport and Logistics Exhibition 2024?

A7. Sixteen leading national companies will showcase their logistical and technical services at the exhibition.

Q8. What was the value of Saudi services exports in 2023?

A8. Saudi services exports reached SAR 182 billion in 2023, marking a 40% increase from the previous year.

Q9. Which sector drove the growth in services exports in 2023?

A9. The travel sector drove growth, constituting 74% of total services exports valued at SAR 135 billion.

Q10. How much did the transportation sector contribute to services exports in 2023?

A10. The transportation sector contributed SAR 24.2 billion to services exports in 2023.

Q11. What was the value of communication services exports in 2023?

A11. Communication services exports were valued at SAR 6.3 billion in 2023.

Q12. How does SAUDI EXPORTS support Saudi exporters?

A12. SAUDI EXPORTS provides market studies, reports, workshops, and training courses to help exporters identify opportunities and overcome challenges.

Q13. What challenges do Saudi exporters face in accessing Chinese markets?

A13. Exporters face customs and non-customs restrictions, as well as financial and logistical challenges, which SAUDI EXPORTS helps address.

Q14. When did King Salman receive Chinese President Xi Jinping?

A14. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received President Xi Jinping in 2016, during which several agreements were signed.

Q15. What was the significance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to China in 2019?

A15. The visit boosted Saudi-Chinese relations, focusing on enhancing cooperation and strategic partnership across various fields.

Q16. What memorandum was signed during President Xi’s 2016 visit to Saudi Arabia?

A16. A memorandum to enhance cooperation on the Economic Belt of the Silk Road and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, and on production capacity.

Q17. How do these exports align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A17. They support Vision 2030’s goal of diversifying income sources and expanding non-oil exports, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

Q18. What is the significance of the Transport and Logistics Exhibition for Saudi Arabia?

A18. It highlights transportation and logistics as vital components of services exports, showcasing Saudi capabilities to international buyers and investors.

Q19. What percentage of total services exports did travel account for in 2023?

A19. The travel sector accounted for 74% of total services exports in 2023, valued at SAR 135 billion.

Q20. How does SAUDI EXPORTS contribute to the national economy?

A20. SAUDI EXPORTS enhances the competitiveness of Saudi products, helps them access international markets, and supports the diversification of national income sources.

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