27/04/2026 04:11 AST
Saudi Arabia's exports of chemical products and related industries rose 18 percent year on year to reach nearly SR6.92 billion ($1.84 billion) in February, official data showed.
According to data from the Kingdom's General Authority for Statistics, exports rose by SR547.9 million, or 9 percent month on month, compared with January.
Chemicals and related products made up 22 percent of Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports, which totaled SR31.6 billion during the month, an analysis by Argaam revealed.
The Kingdom already contributes 51 percent of total manufacturing gross domestic product in the Gulf Cooperation Council, making it a major industrial center in the region. The country also accounts for 1.6 percent of global chemical sales, placing it among the top 10 producers worldwide, according to the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association.
The National Industry Strategy outlines plans to expand the chemicals sector over the next decade, aiming to quadruple downstream output by 2035, add an estimated SR58.2 billion to the economy, and create around 108,000 jobs through localization.
"Australia was the largest importer of Saudi chemicals, receiving nearly SR760.8 million worth, or 11 percent of total chemical exports. It was followed by India with 10 percent," Argaam analysis said.
The report further indicated that the Kingdom's imports of chemical products and related industries reached SR6 billion in February, down 7 percent year on year.
Chemical and industrial products accounted for 8 percent of total imports in February, while total imports reached SAR 76.1 billion.
The Kingdom currently accounts for around 4.7 percent of global chemical production, primarily in basic and intermediate petrochemicals.
The chemicals sector supports a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, healthcare, and packaging. Expanding these segments helps reduce dependence on crude oil revenues, diversifies the industrial base, and fosters long-term skilled employment.
Saudi Arabia has a strong foundation in petrochemicals, supported by competitive energy prices, ready access to raw materials, and large industrial zones capable of scaling production efficiently. Together, these factors help reduce operating costs and enable the development of both basic and advanced chemical products for export.
Arab News
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