Economic ties between Saudi Arabia and France are evolving, with trade increasingly mirroring the Kingdom’s strategic push to diversify its economy away from a heavy reliance on oil. In 2025, France’s exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to nearly $4.5 billion, while the imports from the Kingdom were approximately $3.7 billion. This shift marks a notable change from previous years when Saudi Arabia typically enjoyed a trade surplus with France.
A significant factor in this transition has been the reduction in French imports of oil and petroleum products. France has broadened its energy sources, contributing to this trend, particularly as the relatively low oil prices in 2025 decreased the value of energy imports coming from Saudi Arabia.
Simultaneously, there has been a surge in Saudi Arabia’s demand for French goods across various sectors. This includes increased interest in aerospace, industrial equipment, pharmaceuticals, technology, as well as perfumes and cosmetics. This growth in trade diversity aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to lessen the country’s economic dependence on oil revenues by developing new industries.
French companies are showing a growing interest in exploring opportunities within Saudi Arabia, as investment and economic activities flourish in sectors beyond oil. This expanding economic relationship underscores the broader efforts by both nations to adapt to global economic shifts and to capitalize on emerging markets.