GASTAT: Non-oil exports increase by 18.1% in December 2024
25-02-2025
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) issued the International Trade Statistics Publication for December 2024. According to the results, non-oil exports recorded an increase of 18.1% compared to December 2023. The value of re-exported goods also increased by 23.4% during the same period. However, merchandise exports decreased by 2.8% in December 2024, while imports increased by 27.1% compared to December 2023.
The results indicated that "chemical industry products" are among the most important non-oil export goods, accounting for 25.9% of total non-oil exports.
Furthermore, the results of the International Trade Publication for Q4 of 2024 showed a 17.3% increase in non-oil exports (including re-exports) compared to Q4 of 2023. National non-oil exports (excluding re-exports) increased by 8.2%, while the value of re-exported goods increased by 47.3% during the same period. However, merchandise exports in Q4 of 2024 decreased by 6.1% compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to a 13.3% decrease in oil exports. The share of oil exports in the total exports decreased from 76.4% in Q4 of 2023 to 70.5% in Q4 of 2024.
Regarding imports, there was a 15.5% increase in Q4 of 2024. In terms of trade balance, the surplus decreased by 52.4% from Q4 of 2023.
It is worth noting that international trade statistics rely on administrative records from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (non-oil) and the Ministry of Energy (oil). The Kingdom's merchandise exports and imports are classified according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System 2022.
Inflation rate in Saudi Arabia reaches 2.0% in January 2025
16-02-2025
The annual inflation rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 2.0% in January 2025 compared to the previous year. The inflation rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered one of the lowest inflation rates among the G20 countries.
It is worth mentioning that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and services consisting of 490 items. This basket was selected based on the results of a household expenditure and income survey conducted in 2018. Prices are collected through field visits to sales points, and statistics of CPI in the Kingdom are published on a monthly basis.
GASTAT: Saudi Arabia among the world safest countries in 2023
10-02-2025
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked first among the G20 countries according to the data of those countries in the Global SDG Indicators Database, compared to the results of the Safety Index for the year 2023, issued by the General Authority for Statistics today. The results showed that 92.6% of the total population feels safe when walking alone at night in their residential areas.The released results underscored the contributions of relevant government sectors in maintaining the safety experienced by residents across all regions and governorates of the Kingdom. This aligns with ongoing initiatives to enhance security, stability, and quality of life in Saudi Arabia across various domains, including economic, food, environmental, health, social, political, intellectual, technological, and cybersecurity safety, and others. Additionally, these efforts aim to improve service quality in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Notably, Saudi Arabia topped the G20 countries in the 2020 Sustainable Development Report for achieving the highest Safety Index. The Neighborhood Safety Index Publication is a key output of the 2023 Household Socio-economic Survey, which includes various indicators covering economic, social, and household aspects in the Kingdom. It also measures the rate of residents who feel safe walking alone in their residential areas.
GASTAT President discusses cooperation opportunities with the UN Statistics Division Director
06-02-2025
Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Aldossari, President of the General Authority for Statistics, received Mr. Stefan Schweinfest, Director of the United Nations Statistics Division, at GASTAT’s headquarters in Riyadh. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in statistical data and addressing several shared interests.
The meeting covered GASTAT’s participation in the 56th session of the Statistical Commission in March 2025, along with its preparations to host the Sixth United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh in 2026. They also reviewed GASTAT’s initiatives to enhance Saudi Arabia’s statistical database, its leading role in developing statistical products, methodologies for calculating indicators, and governance frameworks.
This meeting was part of the GASTAT’s efforts to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise with regional and international statistical centers and organizations, facilitate knowledge transfer, showcase the progress of the statistical sector in Saudi Arabia, and explore strategies for developing human and institutional statistical capacities. It also aimed to highlight key statistical activities and improve their quality in line with best international practices.
It is worth noting that the United Nations Statistics Division is committed to advancing the global statistical system. It collects and publishes international statistical data, develops standards and frameworks for statistical activities, and supports countries in strengthening their national statistical systems. The division also provides support to the United Nations Statistical Commission, which serves as the principal body of the global statistical system.