Methodology and quality report for International Trade in Goods Statistics (Monthly) 4.1

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Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

22/09/2026


Statistical Presentation

Data description

The international trade in goods report presents data on export and import statistics in Saudi Arabia.
The International Trade in Goods Statistics is based on administrative records data that is collected, processed, and classified according to the following main characteristics:

  • Goods code and goods description.
  • Value of goods, quantity of goods, and weight of goods.
  • Country of origin for imports, and country of destination for exports.
    Data is also used to display:
  • Exports of Saudi Arabia.
  • Imports of Saudi Arabia.
  • Trade exchange between Saudi Arabia and its partners.
  • Trade size and trade balance.
  • Re-export.
  • Top origin and destination countries.
  • Top exported and imported goods.
  • Top customs ports.

Classifications

Harmonized System (HS 2022)
The statistics of merchandise exports and imports of Saudi Arabia are compiled and classified in accordance with international standards. For classification purposes, these statistics rely on the Harmonized System (HS 2022) issued by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is a nomenclature for the description and classification of goods that includes subheadings and their numerical codes, as well as sections and chapters. This is in accordance with the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, signed in Brussels.

Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature 2022 Edition - World Customs Organization 


Standard International Trade Classification (SITC Rev.4):
It is a classification of goods used to classify exports and imports across countries, with the aim of enabling comparisons between different countries and years. The fourth revision, issued in 2006 by the United Nations, is currently applied.
Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), United Nations Statistics Division


Broad Economic Categories Classification (BEC Rev.5):
A high-level aggregation of existing product classifications that provides a framework for presenting and analyzing international trade based on detailed classifications of goods and products, such as the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), and the Central Product Classification (CPC), with an analytical focus on classifying goods and products according to their end-use categories.
Classification by Broad Economic Categories (BEC) United Nations Statistics Division


Central Product Classification (CPC 2.1) 
It is a comprehensive international classification of products that covers both goods and services, issued by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The objective of this classification, in Version 2.1, is to provide a general framework for international comparisons of various types of statistics related to goods, services, and non-financial assets. It also serves as a standard for harmonizing other economic statistics.  It is characterized by its ability to provide detailed product information that is not available in other classifications, making it an important tool for enhancing consistency between international trade statistics and national accounts, and ensuring comprehensive statistical coverage of all products resulting from economic activities.
Central Product Classification (CPC 2.1) – United Nations Statistics Division


High-Technology Products (HTP) Classification:
It is a classification adopted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to identify goods and manufacturing activities that are highly intensive in research and development (R&D) expenditure relative to their value added and total output.
 High‑Technology Sector and Product Classification - OECD

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Goods Classification
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Goods Classification is an international standard developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) through its Working Party on Indicators for the Information Society (WPIIS). It was adopted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) to monitor and analyze international trade in digital economy products.
ICT goods categories and composition (HS 2022)- OECD

Creative Economy Product Groups Classification (CEPG):
A statistical classification endorsed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aimed at identifying and classifying goods based on human creativity, design, and intellectual property rights within the Harmonized System (HS) codes. It provides a standardized framework for monitoring countries’ trade performance in the cultural and creative industries.
Creative Economy Product Groups Classification (CEPG) – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Food and Food Component Categories (FCC)
A statistical classification issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), aimed at classifying data on trade in food and agricultural goods and accurately identifying their commodity composition within the Harmonized System (HS) codes, thereby standardizing time series and monitoring food security and international trade competitiveness indicators.
Food and Food Component Categories (FCC) – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

Statistical Country and Partner Coding Manual (ISO alpha-3 codes in accordance with the UN M49 standard):
International Trade in Goods Statistics relies on the international standard for the coding of countries and geographical areas issued by the United Nations Statistics Division (UN M49), which is consistent with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3) standard for statistical use. Under this standard, each country or trading partner is represented by a standardized three-letter alphabetical code (ISO alpha-3 code), ensuring international and statistical consistency in the processing and dissemination of trading-partner data, such as: SAU for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ARE for the United Arab Emirates, CHN for the People’s Republic of China, and USA for the United States of America.
Country and Partner Coding Manual (ISO Alpha-3 in accordance with the UN M49 Standard) – United Nations Statistics Division.
Country Coding Manual for Country Groups by Continent and Geographical Region (in accordance with the UN M49 Standard):
International Trade in Goods Statistics rely on the standard classification of countries and geographical areas issued by the United Nations Statistics Division (UN M49) to distribute and analyze trade in goods (exports and imports) according to geographical and regional groupings. Under this classification, countries and trading partners are grouped into major and subregions, including:  Africa (Northern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, Western Africa); the Americas (Northern America, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Caribbean, Central America, South America); Asia (Central Asia, Eastern Asia, South-eastern Asia, Southern Asia, Western Asia); Europe (Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe); as well as Oceania and other areas, thereby ensuring international statistical comparability and facilitating the analysis of trade patterns at the regional and continental levels.
Country Coding Manual for Country Groups by Continent and Geographical Region (in accordance with the UN M49 Standard)[AA1] 

They are as follows: 

  • Africa:
    -    North Africa. 
    -    Sub-Saharan Africa.
    -    East Africa.
    -    Central Africa.
    -    Southern Africa.
    -    West Africa.
  • America:
    -    North America.
    -    Latin America and the Caribbean.
    -    The Caribbean
    -    Central America.
    -    South America.
  • Asia:
    -    Central Asia.
    -    East Asia.
    -    Southeast Asia.
    -    South Asia.
    -    West Asia.
  • Europe:
    -    Eastern Europe.
    -    Northern Europe.
    -    Southern Europe.
    -    Western Europe.
  • Oceania.
  • Other regions.
    Classification of countries into general groups:
    -    Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
    -    League of Arab States.
    -    Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
    -    Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) 
    -    Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC).
    -    Group of Twenty (G20).
    -    European Union (EU).

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terminologies and concepts of international trade in goods statistics:

  • Exports (Total):
    Exports consist of exports of domestic goods (national exports) and exports of foreign goods (re-exports), and the valuation is based on the basis of delivery on board (FOB).
  • National exports:
    According to the international trade in goods system, it refers to all goods intended for export outside the Kingdom, which have been entirely produced or manufactured locally, or have undergone an industrial process that changed their form and value.
  • Re-export:
    Goods that were previously imported and subjected to all customs procedures and re-exported without any significant modification.
  • Oil exports:
    Exports of goods classified under Chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, mineral waxes) of the Harmonized System (HS).
  • Non-oil exports:
    Total exports excluding exports of goods classified under Chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, mineral waxes) of the Harmonized System (HS).
  • Imports of goods:
    All goods entering the country to meet local needs after undergoing customs procedures, with valuation based on cost, insurance, and freight (CIF).
  • Trade volume:
    The sum of the value of exports and imports over a given period.
  • Trade balance:
    The difference between the value of exports and imports over a given period.
  • Countries:
    It is the origin of goods for import statistics and the final destination for export statistics.
  • Country groups:
    Countries are classified geographically according to continents or according to international organizations, federations, and associations.
  • Partner country:
    It is the country that engages in economic transactions with the Kingdom, from which exports are made and imports are received. Based on these transactions, the value of exports and imports, the volume of trade between the two countries, the trade balance, and the most important exported and imported goods are estimated.
  • Port of Entry:
    It refers to the port through which goods and commodities pass for customs clearance.
  • Means of transportation:
    Used to determine the mode of transport, whether by air, land, or sea.
  • Country of origin of goods:
    It refers to the country of origin for agricultural and animal products, the country where the final stage of production occurred for manufactured goods, and for raw materials, the country that extracted these materials from its mines.
  • Quantity:
    Refers to a measure of the volume of goods traded, usually measured by weight (in tons).
  • Net weight:
    Means the full weight of the goods excluding the weight of the packaging materials.
  • Gross weight:
    It means the full weight of the goods including the weight of the packaging materials.
  • Monthly change:
    Change from the previous month.
  • Quarterly change:
    Change from the previous quarter.
  • Annual change:
    Change from the previous year.

Data sources

The main source of data for the International Trade in Goods Statistics is administrative records data, used to obtain the essential data required for goods export and import statistics from government entities.
Data is collected from the following government entities: 

  • Ministry of Energy: It is a major source of oil exports.
  • General Authority for Zakat, Tax and Customs: It is a major source of exports and imports of non-oil goods.
    Main variables published from the administrative data source are:
  • Code of Goods
  • Description of Goods
  • Oil exports (value, weight, quantity).
  • Non-oil exports (value, weight, quantity).
  • Re-exports (value, weight, quantity).
  • Imports (value, weight, quantity).
  • Country of origin
  • Country of final destination.
  • Custom port name
  • Mean of transportation
     

Designing the data collection tool

Data is collected using standardized data request forms sent to data-owning entities to obtain periodic, harmonized, and well-documented data derived from administrative records related to International Trade in Goods indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable, as the International Trade in Goods Statistics is based on administrative records data obtained from relevant entities.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the International Trade in Goods Statistics in Saudi Arabia consists of all elements or units targeted for data collection.
It covers all physical goods that enter the geographical territory of Saudi Arabia (imports) or leave it (exports). The population includes all goods subject to customs procedures that affect the stock of material resources of the country. These units are classified based on their common characteristics, such as the goods code (HS Code), country of origin or destination, and the value, quantity, or weight.
It covers all trade transactions conducted through customs ports (sea, air, and land) during the reference period (month). It excludes goods that do not result in a change in the stock of material resources of Saudi Arabia in accordance with international standards, such as transit goods, temporary goods, goods for repair, monetary gold, circulating banknotes, and goods leased for less than one year, as specified in the International Merchandise Trade Statistics Manual (IMTS 2010).

Sample Design

Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities.

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in the International Trade in Goods Statistics is defined as follows:

  • Basic statistical unit:
    The statistical unit is the good crossing the customs border, for which its technical and economic characteristics are recorded.
  • Observation (reporting) unit:
    As the report is based on administrative records, the trade transaction recorded in the customs declaration is the primary observation unit from which statistical data for each export or import transaction is derived.
  • Measured characteristics of the unit:

Data for each statistical unit is compiled based on the following variables:
-    Classification: Goods code according to the Harmonized System (HS Code).
-    Value: Monetary value in Saudi Riyals (FOB) for exports and (CIF) for imports.
-    Quantity: Net weight in kilograms, or number of units for specific goods (such as cars and watches).
-    Trading partner: Country of origin for imports and country of destination for exports.

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
Administrative data for the International Trade in Goods Statistics are obtained from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, covering the values and weights of non-oil exports and imports, while the Ministry of Energy provides data on oil exports. 
The data are stored in GASTAT's databases after undergoing verification and review in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is consulted when errors are identified or when there are observations regarding the data. The data are also checked to ensure their completeness and consistency and to prevent duplication.

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for the International Trade in Goods Statistics is conducted on a monthly basis.

Reference area

International Trade in Goods Statistics cover exports and imports through customs ports (sea, air, and land) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are linked to trade exchanges with the rest of the world.

Reference period (time reference)

The data for the International Trade in Goods Statistics for 2026 is assigned to the current month.

Base period

Not applicable, as the International Trade in Goods Statistics provides data and indicators on a periodic basis to measure changes over time and is not compared to a fixed base period. 

Measurement unit

Any quantity of a commodity is expressed in net weight. In addition, for certain commodities, quantities are expressed in several units, as required by their nature. (such as sheep, cars, and watches). In addition to their weight in tons, the value is expressed in Saudi riyals.

Time coverage

The data is available from 2000 to the current month of 2026.

Publication frequency

The results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics are published on a monthly basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Careful procedures are implemented to detect errors in administrative record data obtained from the relevant government entities, with supportive methods applied to measure quality indicators, following systematic procedures that ensure data accuracy and consistency.
These included the following:

  • Identifying illogical or out-of-range values, such as quantities and weights of goods, and other indicators.
  • Classifying the data and verifying its accuracy, with reference to the primary data source whenever any errors or data quality issues are identified.
  • Reviewing internal consistency between variables to ensure the logical relationships among values and indicators.
  • Comparing current data with previous data to ensure the integrity of time series before processing the data and producing the final results.
  • Reviewing data published by other official sources as supporting data for comparison and verification of the accuracy of values and statistical trends.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

The International Trade in Goods Statistics rely on integrating data received from multiple sources in the calculation of their indicators to achieve data integration and enhance accuracy and comprehensiveness. This is achieved by integrating administrative records data received from the Ministry of Energy with data received from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and linking them automatically to ensure the alignment of customs codes with the Harmonized System (HS) classification. This enables the extraction of comprehensive statistical indicators that reflect patterns of international trade in goods, their geographical distribution, and their classification by economic groupings.

Imputation and calibration

Handling missing values (Imputation):
Imputation or statistical calibration methods are not used in the International Trade in Goods Statistics, as they rely on complete administrative records data. In case of any data gaps or inconsistencies, the data-providing entity is contacted directly to complete the data and ensure its consistency before inclusion in the publication.
Calibration procedures:
The totals of values and quantities derived from administrative sources (such as the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Energy) are verified against historical totals to ensure temporal and internal consistency of the data.

Procedures for calculating variables: 
Procedures for calculating variables and monthly aggregates:

Monthly oil exports: 
To calculate the total oil exports during the reference month, the values of all goods classified under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System that were exported during the same month are summed.
Calculation method: 
Total monthly oil exports = sum of the values of oil goods exported (chapter 27) during the reference month.
Monthly non-oil exports:
To calculate total non-oil exports during the target month, the values of all exported national goods that do not fall under oil products (i.e., excluding Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System) and that crossed customs borders during the same month are summed.

  • Calculation method:
    Total monthly non-oil exports = sum of the values of non-oil national exports for the month. 

    Monthly total national exports
    To calculate total national exports during the target month, the values of all goods that were fully produced or manufactured domestically, or that underwent substantial transformation within the Kingdom, are summed. This variable includes the total of both oil exports and non-oil exports recorded during the same month.

  • Calculation method:
    Total monthly national exports = (Total monthly oil exports) + (Total monthly non-oil exports).

    Monthly re-exports 
    To calculate the total value of re-exports during the reference month, the values of foreign goods that were previously imported underwent all customs procedures and were subsequently re-exported abroad without any modification or substantial transformation during the same month are summed.

  • Calculation method: 
    Total monthly re-exports = sum of the values of foreign goods re-exported without further transformation during the reference month.
    Total monthly goods exports: 
    To calculate total goods exports during the reference month, the monetary values of all goods exported abroad are summed. This variable includes total national exports (oil and non-oil) plus the values of re-exported goods recorded during the same month.
  • Calculation method: 
    Total monthly exports = (Total monthly national exports) + (Total monthly re-exports).
    Total monthly imports
    To calculate the total value of goods imports during the current month, the monetary values of all foreign goods entering the Kingdom through the various customs ports during the month are summed. These goods are valued on a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) basis.
  • Calculation method:
    Total monthly imports = sum of the values of imports during the month.
    Monthly trade volume:
    To calculate the total trade volume during the current month, the monetary values of total merchandise trade flows are summed by adding total exports to total imports recorded during the current month. This measures the country’s overall level of trade activity with the rest of the world.
  • Calculation method:
    Monthly trade volume = (Total monthly exports) + (Total monthly imports).
    Monthly trade balance:
    To calculate the trade balance during the current month, the difference between the values of outward and inward trade flows is determined by subtracting the total value of monthly imports from the total value of monthly exports. This indicates the country’s trade position and whether the month recorded a surplus (when exports exceed imports) or a deficit (when imports exceed exports).
  • Calculation method:
    Monthly trade balance = (Total monthly exports) − (Total monthly imports).
    Periodic (monthly) change (monthly growth compared with the previous month): 
    To calculate the percentage change in the values of International Trade in Goods on a periodic (monthly) basis, the value of the previous month is subtracted from that of the current month. The result is then divided by the value of the previous month and multiplied by 100. This measures the rate of growth or decline in trade activity compared with the immediately preceding month.

  • Calculation method:
    Periodic (monthly) change

    Year-on-year change (annual growth for the month) 
    To calculate the percentage change in the values of International Trade in Goods on an annual basis, the value for the same month of the previous year is subtracted from that of the current month. The result is then divided by the value of the same month of the previous year and multiplied by 100. This measures the growth in trade activity compared with the same period of the previous year.

  • Calculation method:
    Year-on-year change =
     

     

    Percentage of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to monthly imports: 
    To calculate this percentage for the current month, the total value of non-oil exports (including national non-oil exports plus the value of re-exports) is divided by the total value of imports for the same month, and the result is then multiplied by 100. This measures the extent to which non-oil exports can cover the goods import bill during the reference period.

  • Calculation method:
    Percentage of non-oil exports to imports =


     

    Total monthly exports by section: 
    To calculate the value of exports for each major commodity section during the current month, the monetary values of all goods are classified and aggregated based on their Harmonized System (HS) codes and distributed across the 21 major sections that crossed customs borders during the month.

  • Calculation method: 
    Total value of exports for the section in the month = sum of the export values of a specific section during the current month.
    Total monthly imports by section: 
    To calculate the value of imports for each major commodity section during the current month, the monetary values of all goods are classified and aggregated based on their Harmonized System (HS) codes and distributed across the 21 major sections that crossed customs borders during the days of the month.
  • Calculation method: 
    Total value of imports for the section in the month = sum of the import values of a specific section during the current month.
    Year-on-year change (annual growth for the month) in exports or imports by section:
    To calculate the annual growth or decline in the value of international trade for a specific commodity section for the month, the value of the section for the same month of the previous year is subtracted from its value for the current month. The result is then divided by its value for the same month of the previous year and multiplied by 100.
  • Calculation method:
    Year-on-year change for the month =


 

Total monthly trade (exports or imports) by country groups:
To calculate International Trade in Goods Statistics for each country group during the current month, the monetary values of all exported or imported goods are aggregated based on the geographical classification of the trading partner country and its membership in the recognized economic and political groups during the month.

  • Calculation method:
    Total trade value (exports/imports) for a specific country group for the month = sum of the international trade in goods values (exports or imports) for a specific country group during the current month
    Change on an annual basis (annual growth for the month) in exports or imports by country groups:
    To calculate the annual growth or decline in the value of international trade (exports or imports) for a specific country group for the month, the value of exports or imports for that group in the same month of the previous year is subtracted from its value for the current month. The result is then divided by its value for the same month of the previous year and multiplied by 100.
  • Calculation method:
    Year-on-year change for the month =

  •   × 100
     

     

    Total monthly trade (exports or imports) by country:
    To calculate the value of trade (exports or imports) with each trading partner country separately during the current month, the monetary values of all goods exported to the country of final destination or imported from the country of origin are aggregated based on the data records recorded during the current month, with the aim of analyzing the volume of bilateral trade.

  • Calculation method:
    Total trade value (exports or imports) with a specific country for the month = sum of the trade values with the specific country during the current month.
    Year-on-year change (annual growth for the month) in exports or imports by country:
    To calculate the annual growth or decline in the value of international trade (exports or imports) with a specific country for the month, the value of exports or imports with that country in the same month of the previous year is subtracted from its value for the current month. The result is then divided by its value for the same month of the previous year and multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:

    Year-on-year change =


     

     

    Total monthly non-oil exports (including re-exports) by mode of transport:
    To calculate the total value of non-oil exports for each mode of transport (sea, air, and land) during the current month, the monetary values of non-oil national goods and re-exported goods are aggregated based on the mode of transport through which they exited the Kingdom’s customs ports during the month.

  • Calculation method:
    Total monthly non-oil exports by a specific mode of transport = sum of the values of non-oil exports by the specified mode of transport during the current month.
    Total monthly non-oil exports (including re-exports) by customs port:
    To calculate the total value of non-oil exports for each customs port during the current month, the monetary values of non-oil national goods and re-exported goods that completed customs clearance procedures and were exported through that port during the month are aggregated, in order to indicate the export capacity of each border port.

  • Calculation method:
    Total monthly non-oil exports through a specific customs port = sum of the values of non-oil exports through the specified port for all days of the current month.
    Total monthly imports by mode of transport:
    To calculate the total value of good imports for each mode of transport (sea, air, and land) during the current month, the monetary values of imported goods are classified and aggregated based on the mode of transport through which they entered the Kingdom during the month, in order to analyze the efficiency of different logistics routes.

  • Calculation method:
    Total monthly imports by a specific mode of transport = sum of the values of imports by the specified mode of transport for all days of the current month.
    Total monthly non-oil exports (including re-exports) by customs port:
    To calculate the total value of imports for each customs port  (e.g., Jeddah Islamic Port, King Khalid International Airport, or Al-Batha Border Crossing) during the current month, the monetary values of goods whose customs procedures were completed at that port during the month are aggregated to measure the volume of trade flows through each border gateway.

  • Calculation method:
    Total imports for a specific port for the month = sum of the import values for the specified port for the current month.
    Year-on-year change (monthly annual growth) in non-oil exports or imports by mode of transport or port:
    To calculate the year-on-year growth or decline in the value of international trade (non-oil exports or imports) by mode of transport or port for the month, the value of non-oil exports or imports for the same mode of transport or port in the same month of the previous year is subtracted from its value for the current month. The result is then divided by its value for the same month of the previous year and multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
    Year-on-year change for the month =


     

    Monthly non-oil exports (including re-exports) by country and major sections: 
    To calculate the value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) destined for each country and classified by major commodity sections during the current month, the monetary values of all national non-oil goods are classified and aggregated, together with the values of re-exported goods (i.e., excluding Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System (HS)). The values are then cross tabulated by the countries of final destination and the major HS sections of the goods that crossed the customs borders during the month.

  • Calculation method: 
    Total value of non-oil exports (including re-exports) for a specific country and section in the month = sum of the values of national non-oil exports and re-exports belonging to a specific commodity section and destined for a specific country during the current month.
    Monthly imports by country and major sections:
    To calculate the value of commodity imports from each country, classified by major commodity sections during the current month, the monetary values of all imported goods are classified and aggregated based on their Harmonized System (HS) codes. The values are then cross tabulated by the countries of origin/export and the major HS sections of goods that entered the Kingdom and completed customs procedures (CIF valuation) during the month.
  • Calculation method:
    Total value of imports for a specific country and section in the month = sum of the values of imported goods belonging to a specific commodity section and originating from a specific country during the current month.
    Monthly Total Exports or Imports by Sections of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC, Rev. 4)
    To calculate the value of exports or imports for each section of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), Revision 4, during the current month, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified according to the ten major commodity groups defined by this international classification, ensuring consistency with international standards and facilitating the analysis of the structure of international trade by commodity type.
     
  • Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for the section for the month = sum of the values of the specified section for all days of the current month.
    Monthly total exports or imports by Broad Economic Categories (BEC, Rev. 5):
    To calculate the value of exports or imports according to the Broad Economic Categories (BEC), Revision 5, during the current month, the monetary values of goods are aggregated and classified based on their end-use categories, providing an accurate analysis of the allocation of trade resources and supporting decision-makers in understanding supply chains and domestic demand during the reference period.
    Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for the BEC category for the month = sum of the values of the specified category during the current month.
    Monthly total exports or imports by the central product classification (CPC), version 2.1:
    To calculate the value of exports or imports for each section or division of the Central Product Classification (CPC), Version 2.1, during the current month, the monetary values of traded goods are aggregated and classified according to the approved commodity classification criteria, linking traded goods to the economic activities that produce them and analyzing the structure of international trade for the days comprising the current month.

  • Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for the CPC division/section for the month = sum of the values of the specified division or section for all days of the current month.

    Monthly total exports or imports by material type:
    To calculate the value of exports or imports by material type during the current month, the monetary values of traded goods are classified and aggregated into three main groups (raw materials, semi-manufactured materials, and manufactured materials) for all days comprising the current month.

  •  Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for a specific material type for the month = sum of the values of the specified material type during the current month.
    Monthly total exports or imports by end use:
    To calculate the value of exports or imports by economic end use during the current month, the monetary values of goods are distributed and aggregated into four categories: intermediate consumption; gross fixed capital formation, including capital goods; final consumption; and other, including Chapter 98 of the Harmonized System, which is not classified under the Broad Economic Categories (BEC), Rev 5.
  • Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for a specific end-use category for the month = sum of the values of the specified end-use category for all days of the current month.
    Monthly total exports or imports of high-technology products:
    To calculate the value of exports or imports of high-technology products during the current month, the monetary values of traded goods are classified and aggregated according to the criteria of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and categorized into nine main groups: aerospace, computers, electronics and telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery, and weapons, during the current month.
  • Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for a high-technology group for the month = sum of the values of exports or imports for the specified group during the current month.
    Percentage of high-technology products in total exports or imports for the month:
    To calculate the percentage of high-technology products in total trade (exports or imports) during the current month, the total value of high-technology products is divided by the total value of overall exports or imports for the same month, and the result is multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
    High-technology products percentage for the month = 



    Monthly Total Exports or Imports of (ICT) Goods:
    To calculate the value of exports or imports of (ICT) goods during the current month, the monetary values of traded goods are classified and aggregated according to the criteria of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and categorized into five main groups: computers and peripheral equipment, telecommunications equipment, consumer electronic equipment, electronic components, and miscellaneous goods, during the current month. 

  • Calculation method:
    Total Value of exports or imports for a specific ICT category for the month = sum of the values of exports or imports for the specified category for all days of the current month.
    Percentage of (ICT) goods in total exports or imports for the month
    To calculate the percentage of (ICT) goods in total trade (exports or imports) during the current month, the total value of ICT goods is divided by the total value of exports or imports for the same month, and the result is multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
    Percentage of (ICT) goods for the month =

  •   × 100


    Monthly total exports or imports by creative economy product groups:
     To calculate the value of exports or imports of creative economy products during the current month, the monetary values of traded goods are classified and aggregated according to the criteria of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and categorized into the following main and sub-groups: audiovisual media and multimedia; handicrafts and design products [carpets, fashion and accessories, interior design, jewelry, toys, wicker products, yarns and threads]; books and publishing; music, performing and visual arts; architecture; software, video games and recorded media; and cultural and natural heritage, during the current month.

  • Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for a specific creative group for the month = sum of the values of exports or imports for the specified group for all days of the current month.
    Percentage of creative economy products in total trade for the month:
    To calculate the percentage of creative economy products in total trade (exports or imports) during the current month, the total value of creative economy products is divided by the total value of exports or imports for the same month, and the result is multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
    Percentage of creative economy products for the month =


     

    Monthly total exports or imports by food and food component categories (FCC):
    To calculate the value of exports or imports of food products and commodities during the current month, the monetary values of traded goods are classified and aggregated and distributed across the approved food categories: vegetables, fruits, grains, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, dairy products, eggs, nuts, oil seeds, animal fats, vegetable fats, non-alcoholic beverages, sugars, jams, cocoa and cocoa preparations, and edible preparations, during the current month. 

  • Calculation method:
    Total value of exports or imports for a specific food category for the month = sum of the values of exports or imports for the specified food category for all days of the current month.
    Percentage of food and food component categories in total exports or imports for the month:
    To calculate the percentage of food commodities and products in total trade (exports or imports) during the current month, the total value of food and food component categories is divided by the total value of exports or imports for the same month, and the result is multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
    Percentage of food and food component categories for the month =


     

    Monthly trade with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (excluding petroleum exports):
    To calculate the total volume and value of non-oil trade with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman) during the current month and the corresponding month of the previous year, the monetary values of all national non-oil exports, together with re-exported goods (i.e., excluding Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System), and the total values of imported goods traded with these countries that crossed the customs borders and completed customs procedures during the month are aggregated, in order to assess the depth of economic integration and the volume of intra-GCC trade.

  • Calculation method:
    -    Total non-oil trade with GCC countries for the month = total non-oil exports (including re-exports) to GCC countries for the month + total imports from GCC countries for the month
    -    Non-oil trade balance with GCC countries for the month = Total non-oil exports (including re-exports) to GCC countries for the month − total imports from GCC countries for the month
    Monthly total export or import quantities:
    To calculate the total quantities of commodity exports or imports during the current month, the net weights of all exported or imported goods that crossed the customs borders and completed customs procedures during the current month are summed. These quantities are measured in terms of net weight and then converted into thousand tonnes for ease of presentation and comparison.
  • Calculation method:
    Total quantity of exports/imports for the month = sum of the net weights of all exported/imported goods for all days of the current month (in thousand tons)
    Periodic monthly change in export or import quantities:
    To calculate the growth or decline rate in the quantities of international trade (exports or imports) compared with the immediately preceding month, the quantity of the previous month is subtracted from the quantity of the current month. The result is then divided by the quantity of the previous month and multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
    Periodic (monthly) change =
     

    Year-on-year change (annual growth rate) in export and import quantities:
    To calculate the annual growth or decline rate in the quantities of international trade (exports or imports) for the month, the quantity for the same month of the previous year is subtracted from the quantity for the current month. The result is then divided by the quantity for the same month of the previous year and multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
    Annual change=


     

    Top 3 export or import commodities across all HS chapters (HS 6-digit level) for the month:
    To calculate and identify the three commodities with the highest values within each Harmonized System (HS) chapter during the current month, the monetary values of traded goods are aggregated at the 6-digit HS level and ranked in descending order within each chapter to select the top three commodities for the current month. Accordingly, the values of the same selected commodities for the same month of the previous year are extracted for comparison and to monitor year-on-year changes.

  • Calculation method:
    -    Commodity value (HS 6-Digit level) for the current month = sum of the values of the specified 6-digit HS code for all days of the current month.
    -    Value of the same commodity (HS 6-digit level) for the same month of the previous year = sum of the values of the same specified 6-digit HS code for all days of the same month of the previous year.
    Year-on-year change (annual growth rate) in the top commodities for the month:
    To calculate the year-on-year growth or decline rate in the values of the specified commodities (HS 6-digit level) for the month, the value of the commodity for the same month of the previous year is subtracted from its value for the current month. The result is then divided by the value of the commodity for the same month of the previous year and multiplied by 100.

  • Calculation method:
     

    Year-on-year change in the commodity =

 

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, as the final results for each year are published based on administrative data from official sources.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

The results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics (monthly) are released and published as preliminary data immediately after the completion of processing and initial reconciliation of the completed administrative records.
These preliminary results are subject to continuous periodic revisions based on updates received from the main administrative sources (the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Energy). The preliminary results are revised to bring them closer to the final accurate values.
The results are published in their final form after the end of the calendar year, following the completion of final validations and ensuring the completeness and consistency of all annual trade transactions.

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that measures the extent to which the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users of International Trade in Goods Statistics at GASTAT:

  • National accounts.
  • Prices.

Some external users and beneficiaries greatly benefit from the International Trade in Goods:

  • Government entities.
  • Regional and international organizations.
  • Research institutions.
  • Media.
  • Individuals.

Key variables most utilized by external users:
 

Ministry of Commerce 

Exports, imports, trade exchange

Ministry of Investment

Ministry of Economy and Planning

Saudi Exports Development Authority

Exports and imports

Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade

Saudi Central Bank

Exports and imports, and exports and imports of non-monetary gold.

 Completeness 

International Trade in Goods data is based on two main sources to obtain the essential data required for merchandise exports and imports statistics from government entities.
As follows: 

  • Data obtained from the Ministry of Energy:
    A main source of oil exports.
  • Data obtained from the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority:
    It is a major source of exports and imports of non-oil goods.

Accordingly, the data is complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

A measure of the extent to which estimates or calculations are close to the actual values that reflect reality.

 Accuracy overview 

  •   Data quality is enhanced by selecting field researchers based on practical and objective criteria appropriate to the nature of the work, and by providing them with the necessary qualifications and training.
  • Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the processing of administrative data for International Trade in Goods Statistics to improve data quality.
  • The data are examined and compared with previous years to identify any significant changes in the data.
  • The internal consistency of the data is verified before their final approval.
  • Relationships among variables are examined, and consistency across different data series is verified
     

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

GASTAT uses the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) issued by the International Monetary Fund. According to this standard, all statistical entities are required to publish data on a monthly basis, with a time lag of no more than 8 weeks (56 days) after the end of the reference period. If the data is derived from different sources, it may be published at a different frequency.

Punctuality 

The results are published in accordance with the release dates specified in the Statistical Calendar for International Trade in Goods Statistics on GASTAT’s website. The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

Statistical data related to the International Trade in Goods Statistics is fully comparable geographically within Saudi Arabia, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The indicators are comparable over time, and the reference year for the data is updated monthly according to what is received from the main data sources to ensure comparability with previous years.

Coherence- Cross domain

The data are consistent, as their coherence is verified against all other statistics containing similar indicators. These procedures ensure integration and coherence across statistics, thereby enhancing data reliability and the quality of analyses based on them, and ensuring that the results are free from any unjustified inconsistencies.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Full methodological consistency is maintained between the monthly and quarterly reports and the final annual results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics. This is achieved through continuous temporal alignment; whereby sub-annual data is compiled and processed and periodically reconciled with annual totals to ensure consistency in trends and values. As the monthly data is published as “preliminary,” it is methodologically reviewed and updated upon the release of the final revisions of the administrative records received from the source.
These procedures aim to analyze any discrepancies arising from the timing of administrative recording and to address them statistically, thereby ensuring a consistent and reliable time series in which the sum of short-term periods aligns with the final annual output.

Coherence- National Accounts

International Trade in Goods Statistics are aligned with the National Accounts and Balance of Payments frameworks. This consistency is achieved by harmonizing the concepts, definitions, and classifications used to monitor exports and imports, ensuring the provision of accurate and reliable trade data that serve as inputs into macroeconomic indicators. 

Coherence- Internal 

Full internal consistency is maintained across all outputs presented in the International Trade in Goods Statistics. This is achieved by ensuring arithmetic and logical consistency across all components of the data, whereby the totals of values and quantities at the level of chapters and commodity items fully correspond to the overall published totals in the same publication. The validation process also includes ensuring consistency across different measures, such as aligning geographical distributions and economic group classifications with total trade volume and the trade balance. These procedures aim to eliminate any illogical discrepancies or inconsistencies, thereby ensuring coherent and reliable data that accurately reflects the reality of exports and imports movements.

Accessibility and clarity

It refers to users’ access to data, the availability of detailed and aggregate data, as well as the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release 

Publications

GASTAT regularly publishes International Trade in Goods Statistics publications and reports in accordance with a pre-established dissemination plan, and they are published on GASTAT’s website. GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain (publication tables, data graphs, indicators, methodology and quality report, and used questionnaires) in both English and Arabic.
The results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics are available on:
International Trade in Goods Statistics

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

International Trade in Goods Statistics standards
The General Authority for Statistics carries out all its statistical activities in accordance with a unified working methodology that is consistent with the nature of each statistical product. Accordingly, it relies on the Statistical Business Process Manual, which is aligned with the procedures adopted by international organizations, in coordination with the relevant competent authorities.

Quality assurance

GASTAT ensures that the following principles are taken into account: Impartiality; ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical operations; and reduction of the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the National Model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). During the comprehensive evaluation stage, which is the final stage of GSBPM, information collected across all stages and sub-processes is used to prepare an evaluation report that summarizes all challenges related to the quality of each statistical process and serves as an input for improvement and development processes.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

International Trade in Goods Statistics has been included in the Statistical Calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients’ needs; therefore, it provides them with the results of the International Trade in Goods Statistics Publication immediately upon release.
Customer questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results are also received through various communication channels, such as:

  • GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
  • GASTAT official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
  • Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
  • Official letters.
  • Statistical telephone: (199009).