Effective Jan 2025, all GCC member states, including Saudi Arabia, adopted the 2022 HS-based 12-digit tariff system to replace former 8- and 12-digit codes. This expansion allows for more precise classification of products, including new sub-categories and additional classifications for existing products. Saudi Arabia uses the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System for tariff classification purposes. Saudi Arabia has signed various trade agreements that allow the member countries total exemption of the customs duties. As a member of the GCC, it applies the GCC common external tariff of at least five percent to be levied on most goods imported from countries outside the GCC. Customs duties are calculated Ad valorem on the C.I.F value. Saudi Arabia adheres to the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement (Article VII of the GATT), which stipulates the methods for the determination of customs valuation. Imports are subject to a customs surcharge, port fees, cargo service fees, and an import inspection tax. 

In April 2025, President Trump issued an executive order imposing a 10 percent customs duty on goods imported into the U.S. from all countries, including Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration granted a 90-day pause on higher reciprocal tariffs for over 75 countries, including Saudi Arabia, which expired on July 9, 2025. Tariffs on Saudi exports to the U.S. may increase, depending on future bilateral negotiations. U.S.–Saudi trade ties are strengthening, driven by rising U.S. exports in defense, technology, and industrial equipment. Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify beyond oil has boosted demand for non-oil U.S. goods and services, while a $600 billion Saudi investment package is set to deepen future economic collaboration.

As of July 2020, the Saudi Arabian Government increased its value added tax (VAT) rate from five to 15 percent. Importers and businesses can access the updated customs tariff schedule through ZATCA’s official portal. Saudi Arabia also followed the GCC decision to levy excise taxes on cigarettes (at a rate of 100 percent), carbonated drinks (at a rate of 50 percent), and energy drinks (at a rate of 100 percent).

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) is the regulatory authority that controls quality of goods imported into Saudi Arabia. A conformity certificate is required to ensure all imported goods conform with Saudi standards. Suppliers looking to export products to Saudi Arabia are required to do so through Saudi Arabia’s Saleem product safety program that includes Saber, an electronic portal used to register both regulated and unregulated products with the required shipping documents. The portal can only be accessed by importers, SASO-approved certification bodies and Saudi customs officials. The Saleem Saber conformity process can be complicated and can lead to unnecessary charges if completed incorrectly. It is best to use an authorized certification body to assist with this process. A list of SASO approved certification bodies can be found at Saudi Arabia’s SALEEM SABER website.

In 2024, U.S. trade in goods with Saudi Arabia totaled $25.99 billion. U.S. exports reached $13.13 billion, while imports from Saudi Arabia totaled $12.86 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $278 million.

Import Tariffs on Food/Agricultural Products

In 2024 Saudi Arabia imported over $1.55 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products annually made up of corn, rice, barley, wheat and processed foods, making it among the top 19th largest market for U.S. agricultural export. Most food products are subject to a 5 percent import duty. Selected processed food products, however, are assessed higher rates depending on the self-sufficiency level of the Kingdom aimed at protecting local food processors and production from competitively priced imports. To protect local food processors and production from competitively priced imports, Saudi Arabia ties import duties to the level of local production of similar products. Generally, a maximum import tariff rate of 40 percent ad-valorem is applied when local production of a food or agricultural product exceeds a self-sufficiency level. Imports of rice, bulk animal feed, livestock, fresh red meat, coffee, and tea enter the country duty-free. Saudi Arabia has no tariff rate quota requirement. In April 2017, the country began levying a 50 percent excise tax on soft drinks and a 100 percent tax on cigarettes, tobacco products, and energy drinks.