Official data released by the General Authority for Statistics, today Wednesday, June 10, 2026, revealed a rise in the value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) during the first quarter of this year to about 86.1 billion riyals, recording growth of 6% compared to the same period in 2025.

This increase comes to confirm the continuation of the economic diversification journey in the Kingdom, within the framework of the targets of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to raise the percentage of non-oil exports to 50% of the non-oil GDP by the end of the current decade.

Export Details — What Do the Numbers Say?

According to preliminary data, the total non-oil exports (commodities) during Q1 2026 amounted to about 86.1 billion riyals, compared to about 81.2 billion riyals in Q1 2025 — a difference of nearly 4.9 billion riyals within just 12 months.

This growth is primarily attributed to:

  • An increase in petrochemical exports following an improvement in their prices in global markets.
  • Higher demand for construction materials from Gulf and African markets.
  • Growth in exports of Saudi manufactured food products to neighboring countries.
  • Expansion of re-exports through Saudi ports, which are experiencing a major logistics boom.

Non-oil exports had recorded 80.7 billion riyals (+13%) in Q1 2025, meaning that the Kingdom is maintaining an accelerating growth pace in this vital indicator.

Analysis and Impact — How Does This Reflect on Citizens and Residents?

The rise in non-oil exports is not just a figure in an official report — it has direct effects on the lives of people in Saudi Arabia:

  • New job opportunities: Every increase in exports means expansion of factories and production facilities, creating thousands of jobs in manufacturing, logistics, and transportation sectors.
  • Support for the local economy: Diversifying income sources reduces reliance on oil and makes the economy more stable in the face of energy price fluctuations.
  • International partnerships: Opening new export markets enhances the global reputation of Saudi products, attracting greater foreign investment.
  • Reducing the budget deficit: Increased non-oil revenues help achieve financial balance and reduce borrowing.

Interestingly, this growth comes despite a decline in the industrial production index in April 2026 by 19.1%, which was affected by a 29.9% drop in mining activity. This means that non-oil exports are showing greater resilience and diversity in the product base.

Non-Oil Exports and Vision 2030 — The Path to 50%

Saudi Vision 2030 aims to raise non-oil exports to 50% of non-oil GDP by 2030. With about 86 billion riyals recorded in just the first quarter, the Kingdom is steadily moving toward achieving this ambitious goal.

The sectors contributing to this growth include:

  • Manufacturing: Petrochemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
  • Logistics: Re-export through Saudi ports undergoing massive development.
  • Technology: Exports of digital and technological services that have begun to grow.
  • Agriculture: Processed agricultural products finding increasing regional markets.

Saudi Exports Program (the “Made in Saudi” platform) is a key driver in supporting exporters by providing financing, guarantees, and risk insurance, encouraging small and medium enterprises to target foreign markets.

Summary — What Does This Mean for the Average Reader?

Simply put: Saudi Arabia is building an economy that no longer relies solely on oil. Every Saudi product shipped abroad — whether petrochemicals, construction materials, or food — is a step toward a more stable and diversified economic future.

The rise in non-oil exports to 86.1 billion riyals in Q1 2026 is not just a passing economic headline — it’s a clear indicator that the Kingdom’s shift from an oil-based to an industrial and technological economy is gaining steady momentum. With continued investment in infrastructure and logistics, we expect these figures to rise further in the coming quarters.

Ultimately, the real gains are job opportunities, economic stability, and global confidence that citizens and residents in the Kingdom are reaping.