RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s commodity imports rose slightly to SR74 billion in March 2025, marking a 0.1 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). On a monthly basis, imports grew by approximately SR1.65 billion, representing a 2 percent increase.
Machinery, mechanical and electrical equipment, and their parts remained the Kingdom’s top import category, accounting for 26 percent of total imports with a value of SR19.3 billion. Vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other transport equipment followed, comprising around 15 percent of the total.
China retained its position as Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, contributing 25 percent of total imports at SR18.7 billion. The United States ranked second with SR5.8 billion, followed by the UAE at SR4.4 billion. Imports from the top 10 countries collectively made up 65 percent of total imports, totaling SR48.1 billion.
In a related development, GASTAT reported a 2.3 percent year-on-year increase in the consumer price index (CPI) for April 2025.
The rise was primarily driven by a 6.8 percent increase in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels. Prices for food and beverages rose by 2.2 percent, while personal goods and services saw a 3.5 percent increase.
Conversely, some categories experienced annual price declines. Furniture and home furnishings dropped by 1.8 percent, communications by 1.5 percent, clothing and footwear by 1.2 percent, and transportation by 1.0 percent. Health, recreation, and culture prices also saw modest decreases of 0.2 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively. The tobacco sector recorded a marginal increase of 0.1 percent.
