Staples imports in Saudi Arabia: data, top suppliers and prices
Saudi Arabia imported $4.6 million of staples in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 48% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 13% 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 | $4.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 989 t |
| 2022 | $3.8M | 1.3K t |
| 2021 | $1.6M | 590 t |
| 2020 | $2.2M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $2.1M | 886 t |
| 2018 | $2.0M | 910 t |
| 2017 | $1.9M | 837 t |
Where Saudi Arabia imports staples from
China alone supplied 93% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+65% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.3M | 93% |
| India | $129K | 2.8% |
| Thailand | $93K | 2% |
| Germany | $42K | 0.9% |
| Sweden | $22K | 0.5% |
| Italy | $16K | 0.3% |
| Japan | $15K | 0.3% |
| Netherlands | $9K | 0.2% |
| South Korea | $4K | 0.1% |
| Taiwan | $4K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.60 per kg, 22% above the world average of $2.13. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Saudi Arabia?
The shipment records behind Saudi Arabia staples imports (HS 8305.20): 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 8305.20: Stationery: staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal.
Common questions
What is the value of staples imported by Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia imported staples worth $4.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 209 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 48% on 2023.
Which countries supply staples to Saudi Arabia?
China was the largest supplier with 93% of the value ($4.3 million), followed by India (3%) and Thailand (2%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 152% on the year.
What is the average import price of staples per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.60 per kg in 2024, 22% above the world average of $2.13 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of staples to Saudi Arabia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.9 million in 2017 to $4.6 million in 2024, an increase of 139%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for staples?
The HS code for staples is subheading 8305.20. It sits in HS chapter 83 (metal; miscellaneous products of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8305 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for Saudi Arabia. Tell us your product to see it live.
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