Perlite and vermiculite imports in Saudi Arabia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported perlite and vermiculite worth $4.0 million (18.7 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value rose 12% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $4.0M | 18.7K t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 10.8K t |
| 2022 | $3.0M | 15.9K t |
| 2021 | $2.8M | 14.9K t |
| 2020 | $1.4M | 11.2K t |
| 2019 | $1.9M | 26.4K t |
| 2018 | $2.9M | 39.8K t |
| 2017 | $2.6M | 41.3K t |
Where Saudi Arabia imports perlite and vermiculite from
The largest suppliers were United Arab Emirates (40%), Turkey (30%), Greece (10%). Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+303% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $1.6M | 40% |
| Turkey | $1.2M | 31% |
| Greece | $403K | 10% |
| Mexico | $291K | 7.2% |
| China | $284K | 7.1% |
| South Africa | $130K | 3.2% |
| Egypt | $28K | 0.7% |
| France | $20K | 0.5% |
| India | $20K | 0.5% |
| United States | $7K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.22 per kg, 47% above the world average of $0.15. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Perlite and vermiculite exports from Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia exported $2.1 million of perlite and vermiculite in 2024 (3.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. The largest buyer markets were Qatar (49%), United Kingdom (29%), Kuwait (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Qatar grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar | $1.0M | 49% |
| United Kingdom | $608K | 29% |
| Kuwait | $465K | 22% |
Who is behind these numbers in Saudi Arabia?
The shipment records behind Saudi Arabia perlite and vermiculite imports (HS 2530.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 2530.10: Vermiculite, perlite and chlorites: unexpanded.
Common questions
What is the value of perlite and vermiculite imported by Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia imported perlite and vermiculite worth $4.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 167 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply perlite and vermiculite to Saudi Arabia?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest supplier with 40% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by Turkey (30%) and Greece (10%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 14 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 303% on the year.
What is the average import price of perlite and vermiculite per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.22 per kg in 2024, 47% above the world average of $0.15 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of perlite and vermiculite to Saudi Arabia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $4.0 million in 2024, an increase of 56%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.8 million a year.
Does Saudi Arabia also export perlite and vermiculite?
Yes. Saudi Arabia exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Qatar, the United Kingdom and Kuwait. On balance Saudi Arabia is a net importer of this product, by about $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for perlite and vermiculite?
The HS code for perlite and vermiculite is subheading 2530.10. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2530 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 perlite and vermiculite trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Saudi Arabia
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.