News

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) today released the International Trade publication for July 2025, which showed a 30.4% increase in non-oil exports (including re-exports) compared to the same month in 2024.
The publication results showed that the non-oil merchandise exports to imports ratio rose to 44.6% in July 2025, compared to 33.4% in July 2024. The “Machinery, electrical equipment and parts” group accounted for 29.7% of total non-oil exports, followed by chemical industry products at 19.6%. On the imports side, the “Machinery, electrical equipment and parts” group accounted for 11.7% of total imports, marking an increase of 29.9% compared to July 2024. Followed by the “Transport equipment and parts” group, which represented 13.2% of imports, recording a decrease of 9.6% over the same period.
The results indicated that oil exports decreased by 0.7% during the same period, causing their share of total merchandise exports to decline from 72.8% in July 2024 to 67.1% in July 2025. In terms of the trade balance, the surplus increased by 53.4% compared to July 2024, driven by a 2.5% decrease in imports. 
The publication showed that China was the Kingdom’s largest trading partner, accounting for 14.0% of total exports and 25.8% of total imports. Followed by the United Arab Emirates, with 10.6% of exports and 6.4% of imports, then India with 9.4% of exports. The Kingdom’s total exports to the top 10 countries amounted to 65.7% of the total, while imports from the top 10 countries accounted for 64.3%. The results also indicated that King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam was the Kingdom’s main entry point for imports, handling 26.1% of the total, followed by Jeddah Islamic Port with 20.9%.
It is noteworthy that the International Trade Statistics are based on administrative records from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Energy (for oil exports). The Kingdom’s exports and imports are classified according to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), as adopted by the World Customs Organization.
 

The Construction Cost Index (CCI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded an increase of 0.7% in August 2025 compared to the same month last year. This rise attributed to a 0.8% increase in the residential sector costs and a 0.6% increase in the non-residential sector costs, according to the CCI publication for August 2025 issued by GASTAT. 
On a monthly basis, construction costs in the residential sector recorded a slight increase of 0.1% in August 2025 compared to the previous month of the same year, while costs in the non-residential sector remained the same from the previous month.
It is noteworthy that CCI reflects price movements of construction inputs across 51 items of goods and services, with prices collected monthly from various regions of the Kingdom. The year 2023 has been set as the base year.
 

The President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) met today with the Governor of Al-Baha Region at the Secretariat headquarters to discuss opportunities of cooperation between the two parties in statistical data and information exchange aimed at supporting regional urban planning and development.
During the meeting, both parties discussed the importance of integration in their respective areas of expertise and the utilization of accurate statistical indicators to enhance the efficiency of projects and services in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
It is noteworthy that this meeting reflects GASTAT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnerships with governmental and institutional entities across all sectors, leveraging its statistical products to support national initiatives and targets, and to advance development across various regions of the Kingdom.
 

His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Baha Region, received today at his office the President of the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Fahad Aldossari, and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, HRH reviewed a summary of GASTAT’s key achievements, statistical projects, and initiatives across the Kingdom, highlighting their role in supporting developmental and economic planning.
The discussion included a briefing on statistical indicators for Al-Baha Region, along with an overview of GASTAT’s efforts in providing accurate data to governmental entities in order to enhance planning efficiency, optimize expenditure, and support the achievement of Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals.
In conclusion, the meeting reflects ongoing cooperation to leverage statistical outputs in supporting national initiatives and achieving added value in regional development.