Live camels and camelids imports in Saudi Arabia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported live camels and camelids worth $112.9 million (70.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 60 countries for imports of this product. Value fell 5% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $112.9M | 70.4K t |
| 2023 | $118.8M | 3.3K t |
| 2022 | $52.9M | 23.7K t |
| 2021 | $27.3M | 15.2K t |
| 2020 | $10.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2019 | $14.7M | 3.4K t |
| 2018 | $15.3M | 3.7K t |
| 2017 | $55.7M | 3.9K t |
Where Saudi Arabia imports live camels and camelids from
Somalia alone supplied 69% of it. Among the main suppliers, Djibouti grew fastest (+62% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia | $77.7M | 69% |
| United Arab Emirates | $12.6M | 11% |
| Djibouti | $8.0M | 7.1% |
| Qatar | $6.5M | 5.8% |
| Sudan | $6.3M | 5.6% |
| Kuwait | $1.5M | 1.3% |
| Eritrea | $190K | 0.2% |
| Oman | $51K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $3K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.60 per kg, 50% below the world average of $3.22, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Live camels and camelids exports from Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia exported $30.6 million of live camels and camelids in 2024 (7.0 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 48 countries. Qatar alone took 56% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+150% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in Saudi Arabia?
The shipment records behind Saudi Arabia live camels and camelids imports (HS 0106.13): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0106.13: Mammals: live, camels and other camelids (Camelidae).
Common questions
What is the value of live camels and camelids imported by Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia imported live camels and camelids worth $112.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 70.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 60 countries worldwide, with 41% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply live camels and camelids to Saudi Arabia?
Somalia was the largest supplier with 69% of the value ($77.7 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates (11%) and Djibouti (7%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. Djibouti grew fastest among the top ten, up 62% on the year.
What is the average import price of live camels and camelids per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.60 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $3.22 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of live camels and camelids to Saudi Arabia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $55.7 million in 2017 to $112.9 million in 2024, an increase of 103%. The peak was 2023 at $118.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $51.1 million a year.
Does Saudi Arabia also export live camels and camelids?
Yes. Saudi Arabia exported $30.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. On balance Saudi Arabia is a net importer of this product, by about $82.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for live camels and camelids?
The HS code for live camels and camelids is subheading 0106.13. It sits in HS chapter 01 (animals; live). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0106 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For Saudi Arabia, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World live camels and camelids trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Saudi Arabia
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