Navigator
Saudi Arabia
(information)
Population as of 2020: 34.8 million 41 of 193
highest next higher next lower lowest
Region: Middle East
Nominal G.D.P. in 2024: $1.24 trillion 18 of 193
highest next higher next lower lowest
Top Exports
Here are the **top 20 exports of Saudi Arabia in 2024 ranked by estimated dollar value**. Total exports were about **$305–306 billion**. | Rank | Export Product | Estimated Value (USD) | | ---- | --------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | | 1 | **Crude petroleum** | ~$179 billion | | 2 | **Refined petroleum oils (diesel, gasoline, etc.)** | ~$39 billion | | 3 | **Petroleum gas (propane, butane, LPG)** | ~$4–6 billion | | 4 | **Ethylene polymers (plastic resins)** | ~$4 billion | | 5 | **Propylene polymers (polypropylene)** | ~$3–4 billion | | 6 | **Ethylene glycol** | ~$3 billion | | 7 | **Acyclic alcohols (methanol etc.)** | ~$3 billion | | 8 | **Fertilizers (nitrogen, ammonia, urea)** | ~$3 billion | | 9 | **Aromatic hydrocarbons (paraxylene, benzene)** | ~$2–3 billion | | 10 | **Sulfur** | ~$2 billion | | 11 | **Polyacetals & engineering plastics** | ~$2 billion | | 12 | **Ammonia** | ~$2 billion | | 13 | **Plastic packaging and articles** | ~$1.5–2 billion | | 14 | **Synthetic rubber & elastomers** | ~$1–2 billion | | 15 | **Aluminum (unwrought and semi-manufactured)** | ~$1–1.5 billion | | 16 | **Iron & steel products** | ~$1–1.5 billion | | 17 | **Copper products** | ~$1 billion | | 18 | **Glass and glassware** | ~$0.7–1 billion | | 19 | **Cement & construction materials** | ~$0.5–1 billion | | 20 | **Industrial chemicals (various petrochemicals)** | ~$0.5–1 billion | ## Key Takeaways * **Crude oil alone accounts for ~59% of Saudi exports** (~$179B). * **Mineral fuels overall (oil + refined products)** account for about **$225B (≈74%) of exports**. * The next largest sector is **petrochemicals and plastics**, which are derived from oil and natural gas. --- **In simple terms:** Saudi Arabia’s export structure is heavily concentrated: * **Oil & fuels:** ~75% * **Chemicals & plastics:** ~15% * **Metals & other industrial goods:** ~10% Top Export Destinations | Rank | Country | Notes | | ---- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **China** | Largest buyer of Saudi crude oil and petrochemicals. | | 2 | **Japan** | Major importer of Saudi crude oil for energy needs. | | 3 | **India** | One of the fastest-growing oil customers. | | 4 | **South Korea** | Heavy importer of crude oil and refined fuels. | | 5 | **United Arab Emirates** | Regional trade hub and re-export center. | | 6 | **United States** | Imports petroleum and petrochemical products. | | 7 | **Singapore** | Key refining and oil trading hub in Asia. | | 8 | **Taiwan** | Imports Saudi crude for refining. | | 9 | **Thailand** | Energy importer for industry and transport. | | 10 | **Malaysia** | Purchases crude oil and petrochemicals. | These countries collectively account for a large share of Saudi oil shipments, especially **Asian economies**, which rely heavily on Middle Eastern crude supplies.
