Browse Data and Analysis

The Saudi Arabian General Authority of Ports (Mawani), in coordination with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, announced its intention to require the use of pallets for all containerized cargo shipments to the Kingdom's ports.

The major export certificates required by Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and import control agencies are included in this Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) - Certificates Report.

Saudi Arabia is the dominant market in the Middle East region and offers export opportunities for U.S. exporters of bulk commodities and consumer-oriented products.

Evolving dietary preferences and a strong economy can pave the way for U.S. seafood and fish feed exports to meet domestic demand.

As of May 10, 2025, Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) has streamlined the facility registration process for U.S. dairy products.

FAS/San José projects marketing year 2025/2026 coffee production to decline by 10 percent as a result of the effects of the biennial coffee production cycle, after a high production year in 2024/2025.

The Saudi Arabian pet market is growing - fueled by rising pet ownership driven by evolving social norms and increasing disposable income.

FAS/San José expects sugar production in marketing year 2024/2025 to decline by seven percent to 394,000 metric tons (MT). Lower production is the result of adverse weather conditions during the development stage of the sugarcane, as well as during the early stages of the harvest.

Total Saudi wheat imports for 2025/26 are forecast to decline 10 percent to 3.2 million metric tons (MMT), due to projected high local production. Saudi barley imports for MY 2025/26 are projected to increase by 10 percent to 3.3 MMT compared to last MY.

The HRI sector is witnessing remarkable growth, fueled by urbanization, a surging population, rising disposable incomes, shifting social and cultural trends, and a thriving tourism industry. The Saudi food retail market, currently valued at $30 billion, is projected to grow by another $15 billion by 2030.

The ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia bodes well for the retail food sector. In 2023, the Saudi food retail market was estimated at more than $51 billion and projected to increase by more than 5 percent annually in the coming years due to the continued urbanization, growing population, changing shopping habits, expansion of physical store locations , and increasing popularity of online platforms.

FAS/San José expects orange production to increase approximately 11 percent in marketing year (MY) 2024/25 to 250,000 metric tons. Production in MY 2023/24 was lower than previously expected at 225,000 metric tons as a result of erratic rainfall patterns associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.