At a glance: what Saudi Arabia ships to China and Asia
| Market | 2025 (USD bn) | vs 2024 | Main industrial lines (USD bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 7.75 | +3.6% | ethylene glycol and other organic chemicals 2.86 · plastics (mostly polyethylene) 2.41 · copper ores and concentrates 0.71 · copper (mostly scrap) 0.58 · synthetic rubber 0.28 |
| India | 8.95 | +40.0% | fertilisers 2.69 · plastics 1.37 · organic chemicals 1.30 · aluminium (mostly scrap) 0.67 · copper (mostly scrap) 0.54 · inorganic chemicals 0.39 |
| Türkiye | 3.23 | +7.6% | plastics 1.77 (polypropylene 0.97) · organic chemicals 0.69 · machinery 0.50 |
| Singapore | 2.35 | −23.8% | plastics 1.11 (polyethylene 0.90) · organic chemicals 0.65 (ethers 0.49) |
| Pakistan | 1.14 | +4.9% | plastics 0.51 · organic chemicals 0.27 · fertilisers 0.17 · chemical products 0.09 |
| Bangladesh | 0.94 | +39.8% | fertilisers 0.62 · plastics 0.18 · chemical products 0.04 |
Saudi-reported exports excluding unallocated fuels, 2025, UN Comtrade. Including fuels, DataSaudi records SAR 170.4 bn of exports to China and SAR 109.9 bn to India in 2025.
Ports and routes
| Route availability | Port and route availability changes with carrier schedules. We confirm the current route and port for every booking — ask us on WhatsApp. |
| National corridors | The government's Logistics Pathways initiative provides dedicated corridors at Jeddah Islamic Port and the Red Sea ports for cargo diverted from the Eastern Province and GCC ports. (SPA, Logistics Pathways initiative from the west-coast ports (11 Mar 2026)) |
Polyethylene and polypropylene (HS 3901, 3902)
Plastics are Saudi Arabia's largest non-fuel export, USD 18.2 bn in 2025. Polyethylene USD 9.5 bn — China 1.72 bn, Singapore 0.90, India 0.65, Türkiye 0.61, Pakistan 0.24, Bangladesh 0.10. Polypropylene USD 5.1 bn — Türkiye 0.97 bn, India 0.41, Pakistan 0.26, China 0.11.
We load palletised 25 kg bags or jumbo bags (FIBCs) in 40ft or 40ft high-cube containers, stuffed at your plant or at our Riyadh facility. We check the product's safety data sheet (SDS) before booking; the classification on the SDS decides how the container is booked. Buyers often ask for the SDS and the producer's certificate of analysis.
Most primary polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and PET (HS 3901–3909), need Ministry of Energy approval before the export declaration is filed, under the Law of Petroleum and Petrochemical Products (Royal Decree M/139). The approval is set per tariff line, and we confirm it is on file before we book. Plastic products made from resin, such as film, bags and pipes, fall outside this approval; PET bottles and preforms are the exception and carry their own Ministry of Energy approval.
Organic chemicals (HS 29)
USD 10.0 bn in 2025. Ethylene glycol USD 2.99 bn (China 1.90 bn); styrene 1.47 bn (India 0.46, China 0.15); methanol 1.24 bn (India 0.26, China 0.16); ethers 1.19 bn (Singapore 0.49); cyclic hydrocarbons 1.94 bn (India 0.47, Türkiye 0.37).
Many liquid organic chemicals are dangerous goods at sea. Liquid chemicals are reviewed by our team before we quote: we confirm the UN number, class, packing group and packaging or container type from your SDS and the IMDG Code. Where the SDS classifies the product, we prepare the dangerous goods declaration with the booking.
Fertilisers (HS 31)
USD 6.9 bn in 2025. India 2.69 bn — mostly diammonium phosphate (2.17 bn) and urea (0.37); Bangladesh 0.62 bn; Pakistan 0.17 bn.
Bagged fertiliser (50 kg bags or jumbo bags) moves in 20ft containers for weight; bulk vessel lots are booked by the producers. Some fertilisers are dangerous goods and most are not; the SDS decides, and an unknown classification is reviewed by our team before we quote.
Sulphur (HS 2503)
USD 165 m in 2025, up from USD 46 m in 2024. Main buyers: China 32.4 m, India 30.1 m, Morocco 23.2 m, Egypt 22.5 m, Indonesia 21.6 m, Bangladesh 10.1 m. Sulphur is a small line next to plastics and chemicals, but it is the one exporters ask us about most because of its dangerous-goods status.
Formed sulphur — prills, granules, pellets, pastilles or flakes — is not subject to the IMDG Code under Special Provision 242. Powdered or crushed sulphur ships as UN 1350, Class 4.1; molten sulphur is UN 2448. We ship bagged or jumbo-bagged formed sulphur in 20ft containers.
Copper and zinc ores and concentrates (HS 26)
Ores USD 981 m in 2025; copper ores and concentrates 776 m, of which China 710 m; zinc ores and concentrates 138 m.
ZATCA states that some goods are prohibited or restricted for export, with natural resources among its examples. Mineral shipments are reviewed by our team before we quote: we check the export approval and the tariff line for your product first.
Copper and aluminium: metals and scrap (HS 74, 76)
Copper exports USD 2.08 bn in 2025, of which copper waste and scrap USD 1.88 bn — China 0.55 bn, India 0.54 bn. Aluminium exports USD 2.83 bn; aluminium waste and scrap 0.98 bn, of which India 0.66 bn; aluminium plates and sheets 0.83 bn and unwrought aluminium 0.45 bn go mainly to other markets.
Copper and aluminium scrap shipments are reviewed by our team before we quote: we confirm the export status of the tariff line and the buyer's import requirements first. Copper and aluminium products (cathode, wire, sheet, profiles) need no product certificate on the Saudi side; the certificate of origin and the buyer's import rules apply.
Synthetic rubber (HS 4002)
USD 620 m in 2025; China 280 m, India 58 m, Türkiye 29 m. Bales on pallets or crates in 40ft containers; dangerous-goods status per the SDS.
Also shipped: chemical products (HS 38) to India 281 m and Pakistan 90 m; inorganic chemicals (HS 28) to India 393 m; machinery (HS 84) to Türkiye 500 m.
Documents we prepare
| Document | Who issues it | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| FASAH exporter registration | ZATCA (free; CR or ID) | We check it is active before booking and guide you if it is not. |
| Export declaration (bill of lading, invoice, manifest) | Filed on FASAH | We file it as a licensed customs broker; ZATCA customs service fees on exports are waived since 6 October 2024. |
| Certificate of origin | Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources e-service | General model for China, India, Türkiye, Pakistan and Bangladesh; GCC preferential unified model for Singapore under the GCC–Singapore FTA. We confirm the type for every shipment. |
| Packing list, commercial invoice | Exporter | We check them against the cargo and the declaration. |
| Safety data sheet and dangerous goods declaration | Producer (SDS); we prepare the DG declaration | For products the SDS classifies as dangerous goods. |
| VAT evidence pack (0% on exports) | — | Export clearance documents, commercial documents showing the customer and delivery place, and the bill of lading, delivered so you hold them within 90 days of supply. |
| SABER | — | SABER certificates are for goods entering Saudi Arabia; an export does not need one unless the destination asks for a conformity certificate. |
Your buyer's import rules (licences, standards, pre-shipment inspection) are checked with the buyer for every shipment.
Ports we export from
Jubail
King Fahd Industrial Port and Jubail Commercial Port, beside the Jubail petrochemical plants.
Dammam
King Abdulaziz Port, the Eastern Province gateway.
Jeddah
Jeddah Islamic Port on the Red Sea; the Red Sea side for Türkiye via Suez.
We confirm the loading port and route for every booking, and stage cargo in Riyadh when the sailing, not the truck, should set the timing.
By destination
Import licences, standards and inspection at destination are confirmed with your buyer before loading.
China
USD 7.75 bn (+3.6%): ethylene glycol 1.90 bn, polyethylene 1.72 bn, copper concentrate 0.71 bn, copper scrap 0.55 bn, synthetic rubber 0.28 bn. China was Saudi Arabia's top export partner in February 2026 with 13.7% of total exports (GASTAT). Ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Tianjin, Nansha. Certificate of origin: general model.
India
USD 8.95 bn (+40%), the largest of the six: DAP 2.17 bn, plastics 1.37 bn, styrene 0.46 bn, urea 0.37 bn, aluminium and copper scrap 1.21 bn together. Ports such as Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Chennai, Kolkata. Certificate of origin: general model.
Türkiye
USD 3.23 bn (+7.6%): polypropylene 0.97 bn, polyethylene 0.61 bn, organic chemicals 0.69 bn, machinery 0.50 bn. Red Sea loading, via Suez. Ports such as Mersin, Izmir (Aliağa), Istanbul (Ambarlı). Certificate of origin: general model.
Pakistan
USD 1.14 bn (+4.9%): polypropylene 0.26 bn, polyethylene 0.24 bn, organic chemicals 0.27 bn, fertilisers 0.17 bn. Ports: Karachi, Port Qasim. Certificate of origin: general model.
Bangladesh
USD 0.94 bn (+39.8%): fertilisers 0.62 bn, plastics 0.18 bn, sulphur 0.01 bn. Port: Chattogram. Certificate of origin: general model.
Singapore
USD 2.35 bn (−23.8%): polyethylene 0.90 bn, ethers 0.49 bn. Port: Singapore. Certificate of origin: GCC preferential unified model under the GCC–Singapore FTA.
How an export with us runs
- 1
1. Your details
You send the product, HS code or description, plant city, destination port, containers per month and ready date (Export Quote or WhatsApp).
- 2
2. Our checks
FASAH registration, export status of the tariff line, DG status from the SDS, certificate-of-origin type.
- 3
3. Booking
We book the container and confirm the loading port and route for the booking.
- 4
4. Stuffing
Collection and stuffing at your plant or our Riyadh facility; packing list checked line by line.
- 5
5. Clearance
Export declaration on FASAH, certificate of origin, DG declaration where needed; release.
- 6
6. Documents
Bill of lading and the VAT evidence pack to you, inside the 90-day window.
Sources
- UN Comtrade: Saudi-reported exports by partner and HS code, 2025 (excluding unallocated fuels)
- DataSaudi (GASTAT data): Saudi Arabia–China trade, 2025
- DataSaudi (GASTAT data): Saudi Arabia–India trade, 2025
- GASTAT: international trade, February 2026 (released 23 Apr 2026)
- ZATCA e-service: exporter registration on FASAH
- ZATCA: export instructions
- ZATCA: export terms and conditions (prohibited and restricted goods)
- ZATCA: customs service fees on exports waived (from 6 Oct 2024)
- ZATCA: Guideline on Imports and Exports under VAT (May 2026), section 7
- Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources: certificate of origin e-service
- GAFT: trade agreements in force for Saudi Arabia
- IMDG Code Amdt 42-24, UN 1350 Sulphur (BAM database)
- SPA, Logistics Pathways initiative from the west-coast ports (11 Mar 2026)
Figures re-read at UN Comtrade on 11 October 2026; official pages checked 10–11 October 2026. Safe Hands customs team.
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat does Saudi Arabia export to China?
Excluding fuels, Saudi-reported exports to China were USD 7.75 billion in 2025 (UN Comtrade). The largest lines were organic chemicals (USD 2.86 bn, mostly ethylene glycol at 1.90 bn), plastics (2.41 bn, mostly polyethylene at 1.72 bn), copper ores and concentrates (0.71 bn), copper waste and scrap (0.55 bn) and synthetic rubber (0.28 bn). Including crude oil and fuels, DataSaudi records SAR 170.4 billion of Saudi exports to China in 2025.
QWhat does Saudi Arabia export to India?
Excluding fuels, USD 8.95 billion in 2025, up 40% on 2024 (UN Comtrade). Main industrial lines: fertilisers USD 2.69 bn (diammonium phosphate 2.17 bn), plastics 1.37 bn, organic chemicals 1.30 bn (styrene 0.46 bn), aluminium and copper scrap 1.21 bn, inorganic chemicals 0.39 bn. Including fuels, DataSaudi records SAR 109.9 billion.
QWhich certificate of origin do I need for China, India or Singapore?
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issues Saudi certificates of origin through its e-service. China, India, Türkiye, Pakistan and Bangladesh take the general (non-preferential) model; Singapore can take the GCC preferential unified model under the GCC–Singapore free trade agreement. We confirm the type for every shipment and prepare the application.
QIs VAT charged on exports from Saudi Arabia to Asia?
Exports outside the GCC are zero-rated. ZATCA requires export clearance documents, commercial documents showing the customer and delivery place, and transport documents such as the bill of lading, obtained within 90 days of the supply; otherwise the standard rate applies. We hand you that pack with every shipment.
QAre there customs fees on exports?
ZATCA waived all customs service fees on exports from 6 October 2024, including declaration processing, lead seals and X-ray inspection. Registering as an exporter on FASAH is free. Safe Hands is a licensed customs broker and files the export declaration on FASAH for you.
QShould I export from Jubail and Dammam or from Jeddah?
Port and route availability changes with carrier schedules. We confirm the current loading port and route for every booking — ask us on WhatsApp.
QIs formed sulphur dangerous goods at sea?
Not under the IMDG Code: Special Provision 242 states that sulphur formed to a specific shape (prills, granules, pellets, pastilles or flakes) is not subject to the Code. Powdered or crushed sulphur ships as UN 1350, Class 4.1, Packing Group III. See our dangerous goods export guide.
QCan you ship liquid chemicals like ethylene glycol, methanol or styrene?
Send us the SDS. Liquid chemicals are reviewed by our team before we quote: we confirm the UN number, class and the packaging or container type from your SDS and the IMDG Code.
QCan I export copper scrap, aluminium scrap or mineral concentrates?
ZATCA states that some goods are prohibited or restricted for export, with natural resources among its examples. Scrap and mineral shipments are reviewed by our team before we quote: we check the export status of your tariff line and your buyer's import requirements first.
QDo I need a SABER certificate to export?
SABER certificates are for goods entering Saudi Arabia; an export does not need one unless the destination asks for a conformity certificate.
Our credentials
- Licensed customs broker
- ZATCA customs clearance
- TGA Freight Forwarder & Broker Licence
- 42/00008120
- ISO certification
- ISO 9001:2015 AMER300621 · ISO 45001:2018 AMER300622
- Verify · Certification body's certificate check
- Head office · Warehouse
- 7273 Fatimah Al Zahraa Rd, Riyadh 12837 · Al Sulay industrial district, Riyadh
Safe Hands Shipping Line is the trade name of شركة الايدي الامينة (Al Aidi Al Amina Company). All credentials →
Get an Export Quote
Tell us the product, the HS code if you have it, the plant city, the destination port and the containers per month; our team sends a written quote.