Saudi Arabia sees record growth in non-oil exports in H1 2025: minister

RIYADH, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia posted its strongest first-half performance in non-oil exports, reaching 307 billion riyals (about 81.87 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2025, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Tuesday.

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef described the figure as the highest semiannual growth on record, reflecting the kingdom's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, according to the SPA.

Speaking at the Made in Saudi Expo 2025, Al-Khorayef said initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030 have bolstered non-oil exports by strengthening industrial capabilities, enhancing product quality, and expanding access to global markets.

By comparison, Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports reached approximately 515 billion riyals in 2024, a record annual figure representing a 13 percent increase over 2023.

The third Made in Saudi Expo 2025 opened Monday in Riyadh, with Syria serving as the Guest of Honor. The exhibition runs through Wednesday and features more than 25 workshops, alongside over 50 planned memoranda of understanding. ■