Saudi Arabia's Imports Fall 5% to SAR 75.7 Billion in April

Saudi Arabia's merchandise imports fell 5% in April from a year earlier to nearly SAR 75.7 billion, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics.

The April figure extends a stretch of declining import volumes that began in late 2025. Month-over-month comparisons were not immediately available from the authority's release.

The drop comes as the kingdom pushes to expand domestic manufacturing under Vision 2030, reducing reliance on foreign goods. Lower oil revenue has also constrained government spending, weighing on demand for imported machinery, chemicals, and consumer goods.

Non-oil imports, which account for the bulk of the total, have been under particular pressure as local producers replace previously imported inputs. The trend has narrowed Saudi Arabia's trade surplus in recent months, though the country remains a net exporter thanks to crude shipments.

The April data showed declines across several major categories. Imports from China, the kingdom's largest trading partner, fell 8% during the month, the statistics agency reported. Shipments from the United States and the European Union also dropped, though by smaller margins.

The General Authority for Statistics is scheduled to release May trade figures in late June.