Saudi-Egypt Trade Exceeds $82 Billion Over Five Years

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt reached approximately $82.2 billion from 2021 to 2025, according to official data released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The figures reflect the continued strength of trade relations between the two countries, supported by the diversity of traded goods and growing economic and commercial cooperation. Trade reached approximately $18.1 billion in 2025, up 11 percent year on year from 2024, as reported by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). Saudi Arabia is Egypt’s third-largest trading partner globally, underscoring the importance of economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Context and Background

The sustained growth in bilateral trade, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.66 percent over the five-year period, highlights the deepening economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt. This partnership is rooted in shared strategic interests and is actively supported by official Saudi institutions dedicated to expanding trade and investment. The Saudi Commercial Attaché in Egypt plays a key role in strengthening trade relations by facilitating access for Saudi exports to the Egyptian market and attracting Egyptian investments to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT) works to develop Saudi Arabia’s trade and investment relations with international partners and target markets, contributing to the achievement of its strategic objectives.

Key Details

According to GASTAT, plastics and articles thereof, along with organic chemicals, were the main Saudi exports to Egypt. Mineral fuels, oils and waxes, and copper and articles thereof were the main Egyptian products imported into Saudi Arabia. This exchange underscores the complementary nature of the two economies. GAFT provides technical support to the private sector and helps maximize its benefits from trade agreements and concessions available in counterpart countries. It also seeks to increase Saudi Arabia’s international trade gains and defend its foreign trade interests, contributing to the development of the national economy. The 11 percent year-on-year increase in 2025 signals robust momentum, with total trade for that year alone reaching $18.1 billion.

Implications and Impact

The growing trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Egypt has significant implications for regional economic integration and stability. As two of the largest economies in the Middle East and North Africa, their commercial partnership fosters mutual prosperity and creates opportunities for businesses on both sides. The role of the Saudi Commercial Attaché in facilitating exports and attracting investments demonstrates a proactive approach to overcoming trade barriers. For international observers, this deepening relationship exemplifies how Saudi Arabia’s economic diplomacy under Vision 2030 is yielding tangible results. The Kingdom’s strategic focus on diversifying trade partners and enhancing non-oil exports is evident in the composition of goods exchanged. Furthermore, the increase in trade contributes to job creation, technology transfer, and supply chain resilience across the region.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This trade milestone aligns directly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, expand non-oil exports, and strengthen international partnerships. GAFT’s efforts to develop trade and investment relations and support the private sector are central to achieving these goals. By boosting trade with Egypt, Saudi Arabia not only advances its own economic transformation but also reinforces its role as a catalyst for regional growth. As the Kingdom continues to open up to global markets and enhance its commercial infrastructure, such achievements underscore the success of its long-term strategy. The upward trajectory of Saudi-Egypt trade is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations and their shared commitment to prosperity.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Egypt from 2021 to 2025?

A1. The total trade volume reached approximately $82.2 billion over the five-year period, reflecting strong and consistent economic cooperation between the two countries.

Q2. What was the compound annual growth rate of Saudi-Egypt trade during this period?

A2. The compound annual growth rate was 5.66 percent, indicating steady and sustainable expansion of commercial exchanges year after year.

Q3. How much did trade between the two countries reach in 2025?

A3. Trade reached approximately $18.1 billion in 2025, representing an 11 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to GASTAT data.

Q4. Which Saudi authority provided the trade data?

A4. The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) provided the official trade figures, ensuring reliable and accurate reporting of economic indicators.

Q5. Where does Egypt rank among Saudi Arabia’s trading partners?

A5. Egypt is Saudi Arabia’s third-largest trading partner globally, highlighting the significant volume and strategic importance of their commercial relationship.

Q6. What were the main Saudi exports to Egypt?

A6. Plastics and articles thereof, along with organic chemicals, were the primary Saudi exports, showcasing the diversity of Saudi Arabia’s industrial output.

Q7. What were the main Egyptian products imported into Saudi Arabia?

A7. Mineral fuels, oils and waxes, and copper and articles thereof were the main Egyptian products imported by Saudi Arabia, reflecting complementary trade patterns.

Q8. What role does the Saudi Commercial Attaché in Egypt play?

A8. The Saudi Commercial Attaché facilitates access for Saudi exports to the Egyptian market and attracts Egyptian investments to Saudi Arabia, strengthening bilateral ties.

Q9. What is the role of the General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT)?

A9. GAFT develops Saudi Arabia’s trade and investment relations with international partners, provides technical support to the private sector, and defends the Kingdom’s foreign trade interests.

Q10. How does GAFT support the private sector?

A10. GAFT offers technical support and helps the private sector maximize benefits from trade agreements and concessions available in counterpart countries, enhancing competitiveness.

Q11. Why is the Saudi-Egypt trade relationship important?

A11. It fosters regional economic integration, creates business opportunities, and contributes to the prosperity of both nations, serving as a model for Arab cooperation.

Q12. How does this trade growth align with Vision 2030?

A12. It supports Vision 2030’s goals of diversifying the economy, expanding non-oil exports, and strengthening international partnerships, driving sustainable development.

Q13. What does the 11 percent year-on-year increase in 2025 indicate?

A13. It indicates robust momentum and resilience in bilateral trade, even amid global economic fluctuations, showcasing the effectiveness of joint efforts.

Q14. What are the implications for regional trade?

A14. The growth enhances economic stability in the region, encourages further integration, and sets a positive example for other Arab countries to follow.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from importing Egyptian goods?

A15. Saudi Arabia gains access to essential commodities like mineral fuels and copper, which support various industries and contribute to economic diversification.

Q16. How does Egypt benefit from Saudi exports?

A16. Egypt receives plastics and organic chemicals that are vital for its manufacturing sector, helping to drive industrial growth and job creation.

Q17. What is the significance of the Saudi Commercial Attaché’s efforts?

A17. These efforts reduce trade barriers, promote Saudi products, and attract foreign direct investment, directly contributing to increased trade volumes.

Q18. How does GAFT contribute to the national economy?

A18. By increasing international trade gains and defending trade interests, GAFT helps develop the national economy and achieve strategic objectives.

Q19. What does the trade data suggest about future prospects?

A19. The consistent growth suggests a promising future for Saudi-Egypt trade, with potential for further expansion as both countries deepen their economic cooperation.

Q20. How does this trade success reflect on Saudi Arabia’s global role?

A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in global trade and its commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships under Vision 2030.

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