Saudi-Japan Bilateral Trade Hits Record High in 2025

The year 2025 has marked a transformative chapter in Saudi-Japan economic relations, with bilateral trade volume surpassing the $50 billion milestone for the first time in history. This achievement reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and the shared commitment to diversifying economic ties beyond traditional energy trade. According to data released by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), total trade between Saudi Arabia and Japan reached $52.3 billion in 2025, representing a 23% increase compared to the previous year. While energy exports continue to form a significant portion of this figure, the most notable growth came from non-oil sectors, which expanded by 41% year-over-year. Key growth sectors included technology transfers, automotive components, advanced manufacturing equipment, and financial services. Japanese investment in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 mega-projects has been a major driver, with companies such as Toyota, SoftBank, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expanding their presence in the Kingdom. On the Saudi side, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has increased its portfolio of Japanese investments, particularly in technology startups and green energy ventures. The Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 Committee, co-chaired by officials from both nations, has been instrumental in removing trade barriers and streamlining regulatory processes. MOSOOK - Saudi Japan Business Center played a pivotal role in facilitating many of these partnerships, providing matchmaking services, regulatory guidance, and cultural bridging programs that helped businesses on both sides navigate complex market entry requirements. Looking ahead, both governments have set an ambitious target of reaching $75 billion in bilateral trade by 2028, with a particular focus on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, healthcare technology, and smart city development.