Saudi Arabia & Japan Record 38% Trade Growth Since 2016

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Japan increased by 38% between 2016 and 2024, reaching SAR 138 billion (USD 36.8 billion), making Japan the Kingdom’s third-largest trading partner. Energy products—including oil, gas, and derivatives—continue to dominate Saudi exports, while officials see scope to expand Saudi private-sector participation, particularly in advanced Japanese technology and industrial goods.

The figures were outlined by Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih during the Saudi–Japan Ministerial Investment Forum held in Riyadh. Al-Falih described Japanese investments in the Kingdom as strong, adding that Saudi Arabia is seeking to scale them further in line with available opportunities for Japanese companies. He highlighted priority sectors including energy, clean energy such as green and blue hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, food security, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven industries, noting tangible progress across several of these areas.

Al-Falih also referenced Saudi Arabia’s participation in Expo Osaka 2025, where the Saudi pavilion recorded high visitor numbers as the exhibition welcomed more than three million attendees. The pavilion hosted around 700 business engagements, including eight major investment events led by the Ministry of Investment. Preparations are underway for Expo Riyadh 2030, and an agreement was reached during a recent visit to Japan to transfer organisational expertise from Osaka to Riyadh. Japan’s pavilion at Expo Riyadh 2030 is expected to match the scale and impact of Saudi Arabia’s presence in Osaka.