Trade lane
What Saudi Arabia buys from South Korea.
Saudi Arabia imported USD 5.2bn of manufactured and processed goods from South Korea in 2024, up 11 per cent on 2022. That is 3 per cent of everything Saudi Arabia imported in these lines, and South Korea is its number 8 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where South Korea dominates, and where another country ships the same line for less a tonne.
Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices.
USD 5.2bnfrom South Korea in 2024 (USD 4.7bn in 2022)
3 per centof Saudi Arabia's imports in these lines, USD 167bn from every source
408product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#8South Korea's rank among Saudi Arabia's sources
The top 50
The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.
Each line shows what Saudi Arabia paid South Korea for it at the border, South Korea's share of everything Saudi Arabia imported in that line, how it changed since 2022, and the customs unit value per tonne where the weight is recorded. Together they are 69 per cent of the lane.
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1
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports18 per cent, 38 source countriesChangeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 910m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 13,544 a tonne, 72,700 tonnesUSD 985min 2024 -
2
Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or moreHS 853529
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports70 per cent, 29 source countriesChangeup 263 per cent on 2022 (USD 86m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 30,308 a tonne, 10,258 tonnesUSD 311min 2024 -
3
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports11 per cent, 31 source countriesChangeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 226m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 16,147 a tonne, 15,896 tonnesUSD 257min 2024 -
4
Electrical transformers: liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 10,000kVAHS 850423
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports32 per cent, 20 source countriesChangeup 179 per cent on 2022 (USD 80m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,026 a tonne, 14,902 tonnesUSD 224min 2024 -
5
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity not over 1000ccHS 870321
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports3 per cent, 46 source countriesChangeup 48 per cent on 2022 (USD 107m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 13,651 a tonne, 11,631 tonnesUSD 159min 2024 -
6
Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500ccHS 870322
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports2 per cent, 32 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 140m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,460 a tonne, 9,563 tonnesUSD 148min 2024 -
7
Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)HS 401110
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports15 per cent, 40 source countriesChangeup 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 103m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,743 a tonne, 28,222 tonnesUSD 106min 2024 -
8
Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 2500ccHS 870332
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports18 per cent, 19 source countriesChangeup 51 per cent on 2022 (USD 49m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 7,692 a tonne, 9,632 tonnesUSD 74min 2024 -
9
Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports24 per cent, 76 source countriesChangeup 48 per cent on 2022 (USD 49m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,861 a tonne, 4,597 tonnesUSD 73min 2024 -
10
Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports14 per cent, 22 source countriesChangedown 32 per cent on 2022 (USD 101m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,804 a tonne, 18,232 tonnesUSD 69min 2024 -
11
Firearms: parts and accessories, of military weapons of heading 9301HS 930591
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports97 per cent, 4 source countriesChangenew since 2022Unit valueUSD 335,206 a tonne, 200 tonnesUSD 67min 2024 -
12
Heat exchange units: not used for domestic purposesHS 841950
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports22 per cent, 57 source countriesChangeup 159 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 12,706 a tonne, 5,041 tonnesUSD 64min 2024 -
13
Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated), plated or coated with zinc (not electrolytically)HS 721049
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports22 per cent, 23 source countriesChangedown 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 70m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 774 a tonne, 73,999 tonnesUSD 57min 2024 -
14
Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of...HS 870340
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports4 per cent, 16 source countriesChangeup 369 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,601 a tonne, 3,405 tonnesUSD 53min 2024 -
15
Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports8 per cent, 89 source countriesChangeup 163 per cent on 2022 (USD 20m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 40,867 a tonne, 1,280 tonnesUSD 52min 2024 -
16
Electrical inductors: n.e.c. in heading no. 8504HS 850450
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports23 per cent, 58 source countriesChangedown 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 65m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 17,556 a tonne, 2,716 tonnesUSD 48min 2024 -
17
Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or...HS 870210
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports5 per cent, 19 source countriesChangeup 114 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 9,100 a tonne, 4,269 tonnesUSD 39min 2024 -
18
Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414HS 841480
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports11 per cent, 60 source countriesChangeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 36m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 29,971 a tonne, 1,206 tonnesUSD 36min 2024 -
19
Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of non-textured polyester filamentsHS 540761
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports32 per cent, 27 source countriesChangeup 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 7,870 a tonne, 4,475 tonnesUSD 35min 2024 -
20
Electric accumulators: lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850710
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports15 per cent, 44 source countriesChangedown 55 per cent on 2022 (USD 76m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,004 a tonne, 17,221 tonnesUSD 35min 2024 -
21
Electrical apparatus: parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 or 8537HS 853890
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports10 per cent, 75 source countriesChangefrom USD 3m in 2022Unit valueUSD 25,844 a tonne, 1,330 tonnesUSD 34min 2024 -
22
Polyesters: n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, saturated, in primary formsHS 390799
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports48 per cent, 29 source countriesChangeup 168 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5,628 a tonne, 6,022 tonnesUSD 34min 2024 -
23
Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyedHS 540752
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports14 per cent, 40 source countriesChangeup 77 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 8,083 a tonne, 4,078 tonnesUSD 33min 2024 -
24
Copper: tubes and pipes, of refined copperHS 741110
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports17 per cent, 33 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 10,403 a tonne, 3,086 tonnesUSD 32min 2024 -
25
Iron or steel: tube or pipe fittings, butt welding fittings, other than stainless steelHS 730793
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports39 per cent, 37 source countriesChangeup 35 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5,515 a tonne, 5,759 tonnesUSD 32min 2024 -
26
Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kVHS 853521
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports55 per cent, 27 source countriesChangeup 320 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 24,074 a tonne, 1,250 tonnesUSD 30min 2024 -
27
Electrical transformers, static converters and inductors: parts thereofHS 850490
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports19 per cent, 65 source countriesChangeup 106 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 11,770 a tonne, 2,508 tonnesUSD 30min 2024 -
28
Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines (not seamless), longitudinally welded (not submerged arc welded), having circular...HS 730512
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports75 per cent, 11 source countriesChangefrom USD 7k in 2022Unit valueUSD 1,015 a tonne, 27,096 tonnesUSD 28min 2024 -
29
Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, n.e.c. in heading no. 2901HS 290129
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports20 per cent, 20 source countriesChangeup 81 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,955 a tonne, 14,052 tonnesUSD 27min 2024 -
30
Air conditioning machines: with motor driven fan and elements for temperature control, parts thereofHS 841590
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports12 per cent, 57 source countriesChangelevel with 2022 (USD 27m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 9,784 a tonne, 2,800 tonnesUSD 27min 2024 -
31
Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, electrolytically plated or coated with zincHS 721030
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports41 per cent, 11 source countriesChangeup 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 862 a tonne, 31,275 tonnesUSD 27min 2024 -
32
Iron or non-alloy steel: (not in coils), flat-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, hot-rolled, without patterns in relief, of a thickness exceeding 10mmHS 720851
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports4 per cent, 28 source countriesChangeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 881 a tonne, 29,125 tonnesUSD 26min 2024 -
33
Machinery: parts for filtering or purifying liquids or gasesHS 842199
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports12 per cent, 71 source countriesChangedown 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 25,656 a tonne, 989 tonnesUSD 25min 2024 -
34
Vehicle parts: gear boxes and parts thereofHS 870840
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports14 per cent, 87 source countriesChangeup 10 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 19,037 a tonne, 1,274 tonnesUSD 24min 2024 -
35
Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes and pipes (other than line pipe or casing of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines), longitudinally welded, having circular...HS 730531
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports33 per cent, 15 source countriesChangeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,374 a tonne, 17,552 tonnesUSD 24min 2024 -
36
Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valvesHS 848180
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports1 per cent, 85 source countriesChangedown 16 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 24,281 a tonne, 982 tonnesUSD 24min 2024 -
37
Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 401120
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports4 per cent, 29 source countriesChangedown 31 per cent on 2022 (USD 33m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,732 a tonne, 6,136 tonnesUSD 23min 2024 -
38
Pumps: centrifugal, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841370
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports5 per cent, 58 source countriesChangeup 189 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 22,634 a tonne, 1,011 tonnesUSD 23min 2024 -
39
Epoxide resins: in primary formsHS 390730
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports23 per cent, 39 source countriesChangeup 40 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 2,932 a tonne, 7,186 tonnesUSD 21min 2024 -
40
Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail...HS 300215
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports2 per cent, 32 source countriesChangeup 38 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1.6m a tonne, 13 tonnesUSD 20min 2024 -
41
Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94HS 390110
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports14 per cent, 35 source countriesChangedown 31 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,749 a tonne, 11,411 tonnesUSD 20min 2024 -
42
Cyclic hydrocarbons: tolueneHS 290230
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports32 per cent, 13 source countriesChangeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 960 a tonne, 20,330 tonnesUSD 20min 2024 -
43
Fabrics, woven: of polyester staple fibres n.e.c. in chapter 55, mixed mainly or solely with man-made filamentsHS 551512
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports24 per cent, 21 source countriesChangedown 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 8,667 a tonne, 2,174 tonnesUSD 19min 2024 -
44
Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports2 per cent, 70 source countriesChangeup 153 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 3,711 a tonne, 4,809 tonnesUSD 18min 2024 -
45
Propylene, other olefin polymers: polypropylene in primary formsHS 390210
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports22 per cent, 36 source countriesChangeup 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 1,274 a tonne, 13,988 tonnesUSD 18min 2024 -
46
Steel, stainless: tube or pipe fittings, butt welding fittingsHS 730723
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports57 per cent, 32 source countriesChangeup 54 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 28,067 a tonne, 619 tonnesUSD 17min 2024 -
47
Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated with tin, thickness of less than 0.5mmHS 721012
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports14 per cent, 13 source countriesChangedown 46 per cent on 2022 (USD 32m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 959 a tonne, 17,728 tonnesUSD 17min 2024 -
48
Cranes and derricks: designed for mounting on road vehiclesHS 842691
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports45 per cent, 24 source countriesChangeup 225 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 6,249 a tonne, 2,646 tonnesUSD 17min 2024 -
49
Front-end shovel loadersHS 842951
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports7 per cent, 35 source countriesChangeup 71 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 5,789 a tonne, 2,819 tonnesUSD 16min 2024 -
50
Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220
Share of Saudi Arabia's imports4 per cent, 25 source countriesChangeup 423 per cent on 2022 (USD 3m in 2022)Unit valueUSD 15,059 a tonne, 1,079 tonnesUSD 16min 2024
Fastest growing
The lines that grew most since 2022.
Lines worth at least USD 5m in 2022, ranked by growth to 2024 in current dollars. A fast rise can be a new product, a shift away from another source, or a price change; the record does not say which.
- Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of...HS 870340USD 53m in 2024, up 369 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). South Korea supplies 4 per cent of the line.
- Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kVHS 853521USD 30m in 2024, up 320 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). South Korea supplies 55 per cent of the line.
- Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or moreHS 853529USD 311m in 2024, up 263 per cent on 2022 (USD 86m in 2022). South Korea supplies 70 per cent of the line.
- Cranes and derricks: designed for mounting on road vehiclesHS 842691USD 17m in 2024, up 225 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Korea supplies 45 per cent of the line.
- Pumps: centrifugal, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841370USD 23m in 2024, up 189 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). South Korea supplies 5 per cent of the line.
- Electrical transformers: liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 10,000kVAHS 850423USD 224m in 2024, up 179 per cent on 2022 (USD 80m in 2022). South Korea supplies 32 per cent of the line.
- Polyesters: n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, saturated, in primary formsHS 390799USD 34m in 2024, up 168 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022). South Korea supplies 48 per cent of the line.
- Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499USD 52m in 2024, up 163 per cent on 2022 (USD 20m in 2022). South Korea supplies 8 per cent of the line.
- Heat exchange units: not used for domestic purposesHS 841950USD 64m in 2024, up 159 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022). South Korea supplies 22 per cent of the line.
- Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890USD 18m in 2024, up 153 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). South Korea supplies 2 per cent of the line.
- Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or...HS 870210USD 39m in 2024, up 114 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022). South Korea supplies 5 per cent of the line.
- Electrical transformers, static converters and inductors: parts thereofHS 850490USD 30m in 2024, up 106 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). South Korea supplies 19 per cent of the line.
- Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690USD 10m in 2024, up 89 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Korea supplies 2 per cent of the line.
- Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, n.e.c. in heading no. 2901HS 290129USD 27m in 2024, up 81 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022). South Korea supplies 20 per cent of the line.
- Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyedHS 540752USD 33m in 2024, up 77 per cent on 2022 (USD 19m in 2022). South Korea supplies 14 per cent of the line.
- Plastics: of acrylic polymers, polymethyl methacrylate, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported...HS 392051USD 10m in 2024, up 75 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). South Korea supplies 21 per cent of the line.
- Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853710USD 13m in 2024, up 74 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). South Korea supplies 3 per cent of the line.
- Front-end shovel loadersHS 842951USD 16m in 2024, up 71 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). South Korea supplies 7 per cent of the line.
- Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, other than in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cmHS 391990USD 16m in 2024, up 69 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). South Korea supplies 10 per cent of the line.
- Propylene, other olefin polymers: polypropylene in primary formsHS 390210USD 18m in 2024, up 60 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). South Korea supplies 22 per cent of the line.
Where South Korea dominates
Lines where South Korea supplies 60 per cent or more.
The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where South Korea ships at least 60 per cent of what Saudi Arabia imports. This is supply concentration: how much of the line depends on one source country.
- Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or moreHS 85352970 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 311m; 29 source countries in all.
- Firearms: parts and accessories, of military weapons of heading 9301HS 93059197 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 67m; 4 source countries in all.
- Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): line pipe of a kind used for oil or gas pipelines (not seamless), longitudinally welded (not submerged arc welded), having circular...HS 73051275 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 28m; 11 source countries in all.
- Machine-tools: for boring-milling by removing metal, numerically controlledHS 84593184 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 13m; 10 source countries in all.
- Rubber: synthetic, butadiene rubber (BR), in primary forms or in plates, sheets or stripHS 40022084 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 9m; 10 source countries in all.
- Lathes: for removing metal, numerically controlled, other than horizontal lathesHS 84589175 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 8m; 15 source countries in all.
- Rubber: inner tubes, of a kind used on motorcars (including station wagons and racing cars), buses and lorriesHS 40131061 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 7m; 28 source countries in all.
- Machinery and mechanical appliances: passenger boarding bridges, other than of a kind used in airportsHS 84797964 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 7m; 29 source countries in all.
- Elevators and conveyors: continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31HS 84283262 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 7m; 17 source countries in all.
- Firearms: parts and accessories, of revolvers or pistolsHS 93051099 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 5m; 7 source countries in all.
- Cell cultures, whether or not modified: other cell cultures not including cell therapy productsHS 30025971 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 4m; 21 source countries in all.
- Acids: acyclic polycarboxylic acids: n.e.c. in item no. 2917.1HS 29171965 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 4m; 16 source countries in all.
- Acyclic hydrocarbons: unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isopreneHS 29012499 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 4m; 4 source countries in all.
- Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture or repair of masks and reticles, assembling semiconductor devices or electronic...HS 84864063 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 3m; 15 source countries in all.
- Acids: carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), other than lactic, tartaric, citric, and gluconic acids and their salts and estersHS 29181961 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 3m; 16 source countries in all.
- Mould bases: for metal, metal carbides, glass, mineral materials, rubber or plasticsHS 84802060 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 3m; 16 source countries in all.
- Machine-tools: broaching machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermetsHS 84613085 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 2m; 4 source countries in all.
- Machine-tools: cylindrical grinding machines (excluding flat-surface and centreless), numerically controlledHS 84602370 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 2m; 7 source countries in all.
- Machine-tools: flat-surface grinding machines, numerically controlledHS 84601285 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 2m; 13 source countries in all.
- Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 72259262 per cent of Saudi Arabia's imports of the line, USD 2m; 5 source countries in all.
Another source, lower unit value
Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.
Lines worth USD 5m or more where South Korea's unit value is recorded and another country also ships at least USD 5m of the same line to Saudi Arabia at a unit value at least 20 per cent lower. The largest such source is named. The same heading can hold different grades, so a lower figure is a question to ask, not a like-for-like price.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323South Korea: USD 985m at USD 13,544 a tonne. Thailand: USD 209m (4 per cent of the line) at USD 10,073 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 18,691 a tonne.
- Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage of 72.5kV or moreHS 853529South Korea: USD 311m at USD 30,308 a tonne. United Arab Emirates: USD 108m (24 per cent of the line) at USD 16,190 a tonne, 47 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 28,295 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 3000ccHS 870324South Korea: USD 257m at USD 16,147 a tonne. Indonesia: USD 32m (1 per cent of the line) at USD 12,556 a tonne, 22 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 27,611 a tonne.
- Electrical transformers: liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 10,000kVAHS 850423South Korea: USD 224m at USD 15,026 a tonne. China: USD 261m (37 per cent of the line) at USD 10,399 a tonne, 31 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 13,057 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity not over 1000ccHS 870321South Korea: USD 159m at USD 13,651 a tonne. China: USD 2.2bn (45 per cent of the line) at USD 10,784 a tonne, 21 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,424 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500ccHS 870322South Korea: USD 148m at USD 15,460 a tonne. China: USD 1.4bn (20 per cent of the line) at USD 8,900 a tonne, 42 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 14,145 a tonne.
- Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)HS 401110South Korea: USD 106m at USD 3,743 a tonne. China: USD 316m (46 per cent of the line) at USD 2,528 a tonne, 33 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 6,009 a tonne.
- Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899South Korea: USD 73m at USD 15,861 a tonne. China: USD 44m (15 per cent of the line) at USD 5,271 a tonne, 67 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,165 a tonne.
- Heat exchange units: not used for domestic purposesHS 841950South Korea: USD 64m at USD 12,706 a tonne. China: USD 25m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 7,118 a tonne, 44 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 24,246 a tonne.
- Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of...HS 870340South Korea: USD 53m at USD 15,601 a tonne. China: USD 45m (4 per cent of the line) at USD 11,817 a tonne, 24 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 27,883 a tonne.
- Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499South Korea: USD 52m at USD 40,867 a tonne. United Arab Emirates: USD 133m (20 per cent of the line) at USD 8,630 a tonne, 79 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 23,063 a tonne.
- Electrical inductors: n.e.c. in heading no. 8504HS 850450South Korea: USD 48m at USD 17,556 a tonne. China: USD 124m (60 per cent of the line) at USD 11,239 a tonne, 36 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 26,348 a tonne.
- Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or...HS 870210South Korea: USD 39m at USD 9,100 a tonne. China: USD 468m (56 per cent of the line) at USD 6,190 a tonne, 32 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,456 a tonne.
- Pumps and compressors: for air, vacuum or gas, n.e.c. in heading no. 8414HS 841480South Korea: USD 36m at USD 29,971 a tonne. China: USD 37m (11 per cent of the line) at USD 8,308 a tonne, 72 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 30,840 a tonne.
- Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of non-textured polyester filamentsHS 540761South Korea: USD 35m at USD 7,870 a tonne. China: USD 36m (32 per cent of the line) at USD 3,163 a tonne, 60 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 8,410 a tonne.
- Electric accumulators: lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850710South Korea: USD 35m at USD 2,004 a tonne. Vietnam: USD 21m (9 per cent of the line) at USD 1,568 a tonne, 22 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,662 a tonne.
- Electrical apparatus: parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of heading no. 8535, 8536 or 8537HS 853890South Korea: USD 34m at USD 25,844 a tonne. China: USD 82m (23 per cent of the line) at USD 10,486 a tonne, 59 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 46,637 a tonne.
- Polyesters: n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, saturated, in primary formsHS 390799South Korea: USD 34m at USD 5,628 a tonne. China: USD 20m (28 per cent of the line) at USD 1,445 a tonne, 74 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,714 a tonne.
- Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyedHS 540752South Korea: USD 33m at USD 8,083 a tonne. China: USD 167m (71 per cent of the line) at USD 2,016 a tonne, 75 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 7,000 a tonne.
- Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kVHS 853521South Korea: USD 30m at USD 24,074 a tonne. United Arab Emirates: USD 11m (19 per cent of the line) at USD 16,166 a tonne, 33 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 28,322 a tonne.
The other side of the lane
What Saudi Arabia buys from everyone, and what it is placed to make.
What this record says
What crossed the border, what it was worth, and what it weighed.
Every figure on this page is from CEPII's BACI file, which reconciles what each pair of countries reports to the UN about the same shipment. Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. A line is one six-digit customs heading (HS 2022). Values are in US dollars at the border; growth is in current dollars, so part of any change is price, not volume.
Unit value. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices. It is the value of a line divided by its declared weight, so it mixes grades, models and qualities under one heading. It is shown only where the weight is recorded, at least three source countries of USD 100k or more ship the line to Saudi Arabia with a weight, and the figure sits within a factor of five of the middle of those sources. Outside that band it is treated as a recording problem and left out.
Share is South Korea's part of everything Saudi Arabia imported in that line, from every source. Sources counts the countries that shipped any of it.
Scope. Manufactured and processed goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, without ores, fuels, precious metals, scrap, raw farm output and one-off capital and defence purchases: the same rule as the Made here pages.
What it does not say
A record of trade, not a shopping list.
What this record does not say: what sells at retail, what margin a trade leaves, how crowded the marketplaces are, or how much of a flow is re-exported through entrepots such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
A large line is not proof of an opening, and a lower unit value from another country is not proof the goods are the same. Tariffs, standards, freight, payment terms, lead times and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. Nothing on this page is a forecast, a recommendation or a promise. No supplier company is named, because the record holds none.
Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601. Edition of 2026-11-03.
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A sourcing alert for South Korea to Saudi Arabia is not built yet. If it is built, it would tell you when a line on this lane shifts: a new source country, a share that moves, a unit value that changes sharply. Leave an address and you will hear when it exists, and nothing else.
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