Main import partners in Saudi Arabia in 2022

This statistic shows the main import partners of Saudi Arabia in 2022. In 2022, China was the most important import partner of Saudi Arabia with a share of 22 percent in Saudi Arabia's total imports. 

Saudi Arabia's trade policy

Imports have been increasing steadily in Saudi Arabia over the last few years, but reduced a bit in the last year. This is likely due to the country having less disposable income because of falling crude oil prices in the region, resulting in slight reductions in export revenue. At present, the main import partners for Saudi Arabia include China, the United States, India, Germany, South Korea and Japan. All of these countries are located outside of the region, just like the leading export recipients.

Almost all of Saudi Arabia’s import partners are also the country's main export partners, with the exception of Germany and Singapore. In general, it is obvious that Saudi Arabia supports bi-lateral trade opportunities on an international scale, but exclusively with countries from outside the region. This has been a source of resentment from neighboring countries, who have opposed the role of the United States in the Middle East, for example. Presently, with the war in Syria, tensions are rising due to differing opinions about what to do and who to support in the region - especially regarding relations with Iran. While these tensions will most likely not affect Saudi Arabia’s established trading relationships, they could cause further instability in the region and throughout the world.