A recent analysis of Saudi Arabia’s textile trade data from 2020 to 2024 reveals a mixed trajectory. While the Kingdom has made notable progress in certain export sectors—particularly in machine-made carpets and apparel—its overall textile trade remains heavily reliant on imports, especially from key partners like Turkey, China, and Egypt. Textile floor coverings and carpets continue to play a central role in the country’s textile trade balance.
Leading Export Products in 2024
Among Saudi Arabia’s top textile exports, carpets and textile floor coverings stand out. Export revenues from this category grew from $50 million in 2020 to $75.2 million in 2024, marking a 50% increase. However, this growth has not been consistent, with fluctuations indicating a lack of full market stability.
Heavy Dependence on Textile Imports
According to Trademap data, Saudi Arabia imported over $2.2 billion worth of non-knitted apparel and $525 million in carpets and floor coverings in 2024 alone. Carpet imports have steadily risen over the past five years, growing from $360 million in 2020 to more than half a billion dollars by 2024.
Import Patterns by Product Category
The data shows that apparel and carpets are the two dominant import categories. With $2.8 billion in apparel imports against only $100 million in exports, and a similar disparity in carpet trade, it’s evident that domestic production capacities remain limited.
Textile Trade Gap Highlights Production Shortfalls
Despite the ambitions outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 to become a regional industrial and manufacturing hub, the Kingdom’s textile trade figures highlight a significant gap between imports and exports. This disparity—both in volume and value—underscores the ongoing challenges to self-sufficiency in the sector.
Carpet Trade Under the Spotlight
Turkey remains Saudi Arabia’s top carpet supplier, exporting over $267 million in carpets to the Kingdom in 2024. Other leading exporters include China, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE.
On the export side, Saudi Arabia’s outbound carpet trade also saw growth—from $50 million in 2020 to $75 million in 2024. Most of this volume consists of tufted carpets and machine-woven rugs.
The United States emerged as the top export destination, purchasing over $24 million worth of Saudi carpets in 2024. Neighboring countries like Yemen, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar also represent key markets.
Machine-Made Carpets: A Strategic Export Focus
In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported approximately $266 million in machine-made carpets, with nearly 75% of that volume supplied by Turkey.
On the export side, machine-made carpet shipments reached $28.9 million, primarily destined for neighboring Gulf countries including Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE.
Given the growing exports and strong regional demand, machine-made carpets present a promising opportunity for Saudi Arabia to boost its non-oil exports. Success in this area, however, will depend on enhancing production quality, diversifying designs, and strengthening brand presence in global markets.
