RIYADH: Saudi Arabia recorded a strong increase in merchandise exports during April 2026, with total exports rising by 9.3 percent compared with the same month last year, according to data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).

The growth was largely driven by an 11.7 percent increase in oil exports, which continued to account for the largest share of the Kingdom’s external trade. Oil exports represented 68.8 percent of total merchandise exports in April 2026, compared with 67.4 percent in April 2025.

As a result of stronger export performance and lower imports, Saudi Arabia’s merchandise trade surplus more than doubled, increasing by 100.8 percent year-on-year. During the same period, imports declined by 5.2 percent.

Non-oil exports, including re-exports, rose by 4.5 percent compared with April 2025. However, national non-oil exports excluding re-exports fell by 7.3 percent, while re-export activity recorded significant growth, increasing by 20.4 percent.

The ratio of non-oil exports to imports improved to 41.6 percent, up from 37.8 percent a year earlier, supported by higher non-oil export values and reduced import levels.

Among non-oil export categories, machinery, electrical equipment, and related parts posted the strongest growth, rising by 70 percent year-on-year and accounting for 28.1 percent of total non-oil exports.

The same category also dominated re-export activity, with re-exports of machinery and electrical equipment increasing by 74 percent and making up 53.5 percent of all re-exported goods.

On the import side, machinery, electrical equipment, and parts remained Saudi Arabia’s largest import category, representing 33.3 percent of total imports after growing by 15.4 percent.

Transport equipment ranked as the second-largest import category, accounting for 10.2 percent of total imports despite a decline of 34.1 percent compared with the previous year.

China maintained its position as Saudi Arabia’s largest merchandise trading partner during April 2026, accounting for 15.2 percent of total exports and 29.4 percent of total imports. The United Arab Emirates followed with a 7.9 percent share of exports, while the United States accounted for 7.2 percent.