The economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and France is evolving, as trade patterns increasingly mirror Saudi Arabia’s strategic push to diversify its economy beyond the oil sector. In 2025, France’s exports to the Kingdom reached nearly $4.5 billion, while imports from Saudi Arabia amounted to approximately $3.7 billion. This represents a notable shift from past trends, where Saudi Arabia typically enjoyed a trade surplus with France.
This change is partly attributed to a decline in French imports of oil and petroleum products. France has broadened its energy sources, and the relatively low oil prices in 2025 contributed to a decrease in the value of energy imports from Saudi Arabia. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia’s appetite for French goods has grown across various sectors, including aerospace, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, technology, as well as perfumes and cosmetics.
The expanding variety of trade activities highlights Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to lessen the nation’s reliance on oil revenues by fostering the growth of new industries. As economic activities and investments in non-oil sectors increase, French companies are seeking more opportunities within the Kingdom.
This burgeoning economic relationship underscores the Kingdom’s strategic aspirations to build a more diverse and resilient economy. By engaging with international partners like France, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a more comprehensive economic landscape that extends beyond its traditional oil-based foundations.