Saudi Arabia: Exporter Guide

  |   Attaché Report (GAIN)   |   SA2021-0015

Saudi Arabia is a 20th largest importer of U.S. food and agricultural products in the world, with direct U.S. exports of $1.23 billion in 2020. Return to semi-normal living conditions are invigorating U.S. agricultural exports to the Kingdom as supported by the U.S. Customs data for January – August 2021 that show 16 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020. There are plenty of opportunities for a wide range of new U.S. food products in the Saudi market; especially, healthier products aimed at a generation with more disposable income. Unfortunately, there are also significant impediments to trade including several halal related restrictions on meat and poultry products as well as exporting facility registration requirements. Despite these issues, U.S. food products are generally viewed as a higher quality product and are well-positioned to meet Saudi Arabia’s changing dietary habits over the next several years.

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