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Global supply chains are increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly conflicts involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that carries roughly 20% of the world’s seaborne oil and LNG trade.
When tensions escalate, export routes, energy supply, and shipping costs can shift rapidly across Gulf economies such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. In this environment, understanding which products the Middle East exports and which countries dominate those exports becomes essential for exporters, importers, and supply-chain planners, especially when leveraging global trade intelligence platforms like TradeInt to analyze real shipment data and market demand.
Middle East Top Exports Overview: What does the Middle East export the most?
According to TradeInt’s global trade data, the Middle East top exports in 2025 are Mineral Fuels and Oils, valued at US$114.03 billion, followed by Gold & Precious Metals at US$17.49 billion, and Plastics & Articles Thereof at US$4.99 billion. These three sectors strongly shows Middle East’s firm position in global energy supply, precious metals trading hubs, and petrochemical manufacturing across Gulf economies.
What are the top exports of the Middle East in 2025?
- Mineral Fuels and Oils (HS 2709) — US$114.03 billion: Exported mainly by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, supplying crude oil to major global energy markets.
- Gold & Precious Metals (HS 7108) — US$17.49 billion: Led by the UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, driven by regional refining hubs and international bullion trade.
- Plastics & Articles Thereof (HS 3901) — US$4.99 billion: Dominated by Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman, supported by large petrochemical production complexes.
- Fertilizers (HS 3102) — US$4.20 billion: Exported primarily by Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, supplying key agricultural inputs to global farming markets.
- Vehicles and Machinery (HS 8703) — US$944.16 million: Mainly exported by the UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting strong automotive re-export and regional trading hubs.
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Global export markets are becoming more volatile, with shifting demand, price fluctuations, and changing trade routes.
As the top-tier global trade intelligence platform TradeInt , benefits global exporters by:
- Identify active international buyers using verified shipment and Bills of Lading records.
- Track export demand by HS code and country to prioritize the most profitable markets.
- Analyze competitor export activity to uncover new trade routes and market entry opportunities.
Economic growth across the region is expected to range between 2.6% and 3.5% in 2025, with Gulf Cooperation Council economies projected to grow faster as oil production gradually increases.
The Middle East accounts for most global oil exports. At the same time, the region is strengthening its role in global LNG supply, particularly as energy demand in Asia and Europe remains strong. These export flows continue to position Gulf economies as essential suppliers for global energy markets.
The Middle East export data for 2025 showed a pivotal shift in the region’s economic DNA, as non-oil industrial exports hit a record $71.3 billion, a 25% jump from the previous year.
Performance is now dictated by the ability to navigate regional conflict-driven logistical hurdles, with shipping disruptions causing transit delays of 10–20 days. To maintain flow, the region has pivoted to “adaptive networks,” such as maximizing land-based pipelines and air-freight corridors, which saw a 25% value increase as a bypass to maritime risk.
While energy remains a critical global anchor, the Middle East top exports are increasingly characterized by high-value petrochemicals and renewable energy components, designed to sustain growth even during periods of logistical volatility.
Middle East Top 1 Exports by HS code: HS 2709, Mineral Fuels and Oils
The top Middle East HS 2709 (Mineral Fuels and Oils) export countries in 2025 are led by Saudi Arabia with exports valued at US$38.76 billion, followed by Iraq at US$35.20 billion, and the United Arab Emirates at US$30.99 billion. TradeInt’s global customs and Bill of Lading records show that these three Gulf producers dominate regional crude oil exports, supplying major energy markets across Asia, Europe, and other global trading hubs throughout 2025.
Top 5 Middle East HS 2709 Export Countries in 2025
- Saudi Arabia — US$38.76 billion: The region’s largest crude oil exporter, led by Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco), supplies major global energy markets.
- Iraq — US$35.20 billion: A key oil supplier through the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), exporting large volumes of crude to international buyers.
- United Arab Emirates — US$30.99 billion: Driven by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the UAE remains a major crude exporter and regional energy hub.
- Kuwait — US$6.14 billion: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation manages significant crude exports supporting global refinery demand.
- Oman — US$1.73 billion: Oman exports crude oil through trading firms and regional energy partnerships, contributing to global supply chains.
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Examine more insights into the global oil market on TradeInt’s analysis of Iran Oil Exports 2025 and global supply dynamics.
In 2025 and early 2026, Middle East export data confirms Saudi Arabia’s continued dominance as the world’s leading crude oil exporter.
As of July 2025, the kingdom averaged exports of approximately 9.8 million barrels per day (mb/d), supported by a total production capacity exceeding 12 million bpd. This performance solidified its role as a primary global supplier, even as it navigated fluctuating OPEC+ production adjustments to maintain market stability.
A significant portion of these Middle East top exports is concentrated within the Asian market. Approximately 88% to 90% of crude oil transiting the Strait of Hormuz is destined for China, India, Japan, and South Korea. In 2025, Saudi Arabia alone accounted for 37.2% of the crude oil moving through this critical chokepoint.
As the market enters 2026, the reliance on this maritime route presents specific strategic risks:
- Shipping Vulnerabilities: Roughly 20% of global crude and LNG passes through the Strait of Hormuz daily.
- Economic Impact: A prolonged disruption in 2026 could trigger a geopolitical price premium between $5/bbl and $20/bbl.
- Regional Exposure: Entities such as QatarEnergy, Saudi Aramco, and SABIC face significant exposure if alternative pipelines cannot fully redirect disrupted volumes to Asian refineries.
Middle East Top 2 Exports by HS code: HS 7108, Gold & Precious Metals
TradeInt’s verified shipment records indicate that the leading Middle East exporters of HS 7108 (Gold & Precious Metals) in 2025 are the United Arab Emirates at US$14.06 billion, followed by Turkey with exports worth US$2.06 billion, and Saudi Arabia at US$1.19 billion.
The data clearly indicates that regional gold exports are highly concentrated in major refining and trading hubs, with the UAE acting as the dominant bullion redistribution center for global precious metal markets during 2025.
Top 5 Middle East HS 7108 Export Countries in 2025:
- United Arab Emirates — US$14.06 billion: The region’s largest gold export hub, driven by Dubai’s global bullion trading and refining ecosystem.
- Turkey — US$2.06 billion: A major precious metals exporter supported by strong refining capacity and regional trading networks.
- Saudi Arabia — US$1.19 billion: Exports gold from domestic mining and refining operations to international bullion markets.
- Iraq — US$148.05 million: Smaller but growing gold exports supported by emerging regional precious metal trading activity.
- Oman — US$14.67 million: Contributes niche gold exports through regional trading and refining channels.
👉🏻 Must also read: Middle East Top Imports In 2025 to get an in-depth look into the Middle East trade market in 2025.
In 2025 and early 2026, Middle East export data reflect a significant shift toward precious metals as regional economies diversify.
Egypt emerged as a standout performer, with gold exports more than doubling from $3.2 billion in 2024 to $7.6 billion in 2025. This surge was underpinned by record-high global prices, which rose over 30% during the year, and a strategic push to bolster non-oil revenue.
The United Arab Emirates continues to function as the primary trading hub for the region. Despite volatility from regional conflicts, the UAE increased its gold reserves by 26% in early 2025, reaching $7.9 billion.
While Dubai remains a central clearinghouse for bullion from producers like Sudan, which managed to export roughly 20 tons through official channels in 2025, with production of around 70 tons, ongoing flight cancellations in early 2026 due to regional tensions have begun to impact immediate physical trade flows.
Market performance in 2026 remains tied to safe-haven demand. Following geopolitical escalations in March 2026, spot gold climbed toward $5,342 per ounce, nearing the January record of $5,594. This upward trajectory is supported by:
- Central Bank Activity: Continued diversification away from dollar-priced assets by BRIC nations.
- Production Growth: New gold discoveries in Saudi Arabia and platinum leadership in Turkey.
- Investment Inflow: A projected CAGR of 5.2% for the regional precious metals market through 2030.
Middle East Top 3 Exports by HS code: HS 3901, Plastics & Articles Thereof
In 2025, Saudi Arabia leads Middle East exports of HS 3901 (Plastics and Polymers) with shipments valued at US$2.84 billion, followed by the United Arab Emirates at US$1.20 billion and Oman at US$323.11 million.
Analysis of regional shipment activity based on TradeInt’s global trade intelligence data shows that Gulf petrochemical producers dominate polymer exports, supported by large-scale refining and downstream manufacturing ecosystems that supply plastics raw materials to international packaging, automotive, and industrial markets.
Top 5 Middle East HS 3901 Export Countries in 2025
- Saudi Arabia — US$2.84 billion: The region’s largest polymer exporter, led by major petrochemical producers supplying plastics raw materials to global manufacturing industries.
- United Arab Emirates — US$1.20 billion: A major petrochemical and re-export hub, supported by advanced polymer production and trading infrastructure.
- Oman — US$323.11 million: Exports polyethylene and other plastic resins through large integrated petrochemical facilities.
- Iran — US$267.03 million: Maintains steady polymer exports driven by domestic petrochemical production capacity.
- Kuwait — US$242.07 million: Supplies plastic resins and polymer feedstock through established petrochemical export operations.
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TradeInt analyses verified global Bills of Lading and customs shipment records, allowing exporters to identify companies importing specific HS code products, historical purchasing volumes, and their current suppliers.
These insights help sales teams build targeted buyer lists, approach qualified prospects, and prioritize markets where demand already exists.
Search buyers by product keywordsDriven by massive investments in petrochemical capacity, the regional market is projected to grow from $22.2 billion in 2024 to over $28 billion by 2033, maintaining a steady CAGR of 6.8%.
Saudi Arabia remains the dominant force in the Middle East top exports for polymers, controlling nearly 36% of the market share.
With a regional polyethylene production capacity exceeding 23 million metric tonnes, accounting for 15% of global supply, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have focused on backward-integrated units to ensure a secure supply of raw materials. However, the start of 2026 has introduced significant logistical volatility:
- Port Vulnerabilities: In early 2026, conflict-related disruptions at the Port of Jebel Ali impacted a hub that handles 65% of GCC polymer exports.
- Infrastructure Risks: Drone strikes and debris have affected operations at auxiliary ports in Oman and Kuwait, further straining maritime outbound flows.
- Product Shifts: Despite these tensions, 2025 saw a marked increase in the production of bio-based and engineering plastics, with the latter growing at 7.9% to meet automotive and construction demand in Asia.
While the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical bottleneck for the 10 million tonnes of regional polypropylene capacity, exporters are increasingly leveraging downstream diversification to mitigate the impact of fluctuating raw feedstock prices.
Middle East Top 4 Exports by HS code: HS 3102, Fertilizers
Based on TradeInt’s Middle East collected dataset, Oman stands as the largest Middle East exporter of HS 3102 fertilizers with exports valued at US$1.74 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia at US$1.16 billion and the United Arab Emirates at US$787.19 million in 2025.
Top 5 Middle East HS 3102 Export Countries in 2025
- Oman — US$1.74 billion: The region’s largest fertilizer exporter, supported by large-scale ammonia and nitrogen fertilizer production facilities.
- Saudi Arabia — US$1.16 billion: A major global fertilizer supplier driven by strong industrial producers such as SABIC Agri-Nutrients.
- United Arab Emirates — US$787.19 million: Exports nitrogen-based fertilizers through integrated petrochemical and agricultural input supply chains.
- Cyprus — US$181.22 million: Maintains steady fertilizer exports through regional chemical trading and distribution networks.
- Bahrain — US$124.57 million: Supplies nitrogen fertilizers to global agricultural markets through specialized fertilizer production operations.
The Middle East is a central pillar of global food security, controlling approximately 40% of the global seaborne urea trade, exporting around 20 million tons annually. Leveraging low-cost natural gas feedstocks, Saudi Arabia leads regional production with over 19 million tons annually, followed by Qatar (5.5–6 million tons) and Iran (5 million+ tons).
These Middle East top exports are critical to international agriculture, with the region serving as a primary supplier for:
- India: Secured through massive government tenders and long-term contracts.
- Australia: Heavily reliant on the Gulf for 64% of its urea imports.
- Southeast Asia & Africa: Steady flows of granular urea and specialty NPK blends from Oman, the UAE, and Iran.
👉🏻 For an expert analysis of the Strait of Hormuz closure and its implications for global energy security, read: Hormuz Closure: Tanker Attacks and Blockade Shut Down 20% Global Oil Supply.
Middle East Top 5 Exports: HS 8703, Vehicles and Machinery
According to TradeInt’s Middle East export data 2025, the United Arab Emirates leads Middle East exports of HS 8703 (Passenger Vehicles) with shipments reaching US$674.05 million, followed by Turkey at US$257.01 million, while Saudi Arabia ranks third with exports valued at US$5.59 million in 2025.
Top 5 Middle East HS 8703 Export Countries in 2025
- United Arab Emirates — US$674.05 million: The region’s dominant vehicle export hub, driven by large automotive trading and re-export activities through Dubai.
- Turkey — US$257.01 million: A major automotive manufacturing and export center supplying passenger vehicles to regional and global markets.
- Saudi Arabia — US$5.59 million: Exports vehicles through regional trading channels and domestic automotive distribution networks.
- Kuwait — US$4.71 million: Contributes smaller volumes of vehicle exports mainly through trading and re-export activities.
- Oman — US$1.21 million: Maintains limited passenger vehicle exports supported by regional trade logistics and distribution hubs.
👉🏻 For an expert analysis of the Strait of Hormuz closure and its implications for global energy security, read: Hormuz Closure: Tanker Attacks and Blockade Shut Down 20% Global Oil Supply.
Middle East export data shows that the region has solidified its status as a “forward warehouse” for global automotive trade, with the UAE’s new vehicle sales advancing 5.3% to 335,772 units in 2025. This momentum is sustained by a mix of traditional reliability and a rapid surge in Chinese-manufactured Electric Vehicles (EVs).
- Toyota Hilux: Reclaimed the top spot as the most successful export model in 2025, recording a massive 50.3% year-on-year gain due to its unmatched utility in African and Central Asian markets.
- Nissan Patrol: Remains a cultural and export staple, holding significant “off-road credibility” and consistently ranking among the top three by volume.
- Jetour T2: Represented the most dramatic market shift in 2025, with sales soaring over 200% as Middle Eastern exporters successfully introduced tech-heavy, value-oriented Chinese SUVs to regional partners.
- Hyundai Accent: Dominates the affordable sedan segment, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it became the best-selling model in late 2025 with a 15.3% growth rate.
- Luxury & EVs: The Lexus LX600 and Tesla Model Y lead high-value exports, with the UAE serving as the primary hub for Chinese passenger vehicle exports, receiving over 255,000 units in the first half of 2025 alone.
- Extrusion Machinery: The UAE market for extrusion equipment is projected to grow at a 4.3% CAGR through 2026, driven by the local production of PVC pipes and cabling for massive infrastructure projects.
- Packaging Systems: Driven by new environmental regulations, the demand for advanced packaging machinery is forecast to rise from $1.9 billion in 2025 to over $3.6 billion in the coming decade.
- Digital Integration: By early 2026, over 73% of machinery and vehicle trade has moved to digital O2O (Online-to-Offline) platforms, significantly reducing transaction times for cross-border buyers.
Middle East top exports by country: Which country does the Middle East export the most to from 2024 to 2025?
Between 2024 and 2025, Turkey emerged as the largest export destination within the Middle East trade network, recording exports valued at US$531 billion, according to TradeInt’s global trade data. It is followed by Saudi Arabia with US$482 billion and Israel with US$115 billion, showing strong demand for refined energy products, crude oil, and high-tech goods across regional supply chains.
Top 5 Middle East top export by country 2024–2025
- Turkey — US$531 billion: A major regional trade hub where exports are largely driven by refined petroleum products and energy distribution activities.
- Saudi Arabia — US$482 billion: One of the largest energy exporters globally, with crude oil dominating shipments to major markets such as China and India.
- Israel — US$115 billion: Exports are heavily supported by high-tech manufacturing, particularly semiconductors, electronics, and advanced technology components.
- Bahrain — US$25.6 billion: Trade performance is strongly linked to aluminum production and energy-intensive metal manufacturing.
- Cyprus — US$9.89 billion: Export activities focus on refined petroleum products, supported by its strategic position along Mediterranean energy trade routes.
👉🏻 For an expert analysis of the Strait of Hormuz closure and its implications for global energy security, read: Hormuz Closure: Tanker Attacks and Blockade Shut Down 20% Global Oil Supply.
In 2024 and 2025, Middle East export data illustrates a market defined by the dual pursuit of energy dominance and structural diversification. The regional performance transitioned from a heavy reliance on raw hydrocarbons in 2024 to a more complex, value-added export profile by 2025.
Throughout this period, the region solidified its role as the world’s primary energy terminal, with the Middle East top exports centered on crude petroleum, LNG, and refined products.
- Hydrocarbon Dominance: By 2024, approximately 93.6% of oil and condensate transiting the Strait of Hormuz originated from the top five regional producers.
- Shift to Refined Products: A notable trend in 2025 was the surge in midstream exports; diesel shipments to Europe hit record highs as regional refineries increased capacity to meet shifting global demand.
- Gas Infrastructure: The market saw sustained growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG), with the region maintaining its status as a top global supplier to both Asian and European markets.
- Furthermore, the overall market performance from 2024 to 2025 was marked by an aggressive expansion into non-oil sectors to hedge against price volatility.
- Precious Metals & Hub Activity: Non-oil foreign trade grew substantially, particularly in gold and jewelry, which saw a 36.8% rise in specific hubs during 2024.
- Industrial Expansion: By 2025, the region emerged as a top exporter of high-value goods, including chemicals, metals, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Strategic Partnerships: China remained the dominant buyer, receiving nearly 90% of certain regional oil shipments, while new trade corridors with Hong Kong and the West expanded the market for machinery and polished diamonds.
Conclusion
The Middle East top exports in 2025 are led by Mineral Fuels and Oils at US$114.03 billion, followed by Gold and Precious Metals at US$17.49 billion, and Plastics and Articles Thereof at US$4.99 billion, based on TradeInt’s global shipment data.
Other notable exports include fertilizers and vehicles, reflecting the region’s strong petrochemical and industrial trade base. Major exporting countries include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, and Oman, supplying energy and materials to global markets, especially Asia and Europe.
FAQ
1. What are the largest export industries in the Middle East in 2025?
The largest export industries in the Middle East in 2025 are energy, precious metals, petrochemicals, fertilizers, and automotive trade. According to TradeInt’s global shipment data, mineral fuels and oils (HS 2709) lead exports at US$114.03 billion, followed by gold and precious metals (HS 7108) at US$17.49 billion, and plastics and polymers (HS 3901) at US$4.99 billion. These sectors reflect the region’s strong position in global energy supply, bullion trading, and petrochemical manufacturing.
Must also read: Top 10 Largest Exporting Countries 2024/2025
2. Who is the largest oil exporter in the Middle East region?
According to verified trade data intelligence platforms like TradeInt, the largest oil exporter in the Middle East is Saudi Arabia, exporting US$38.76 billion worth of crude oil in 2025 based on TradeInt’s verified global export trade data for HS 2709 exports. Saudi Arabia leads regional supply through large-scale production and exports to global energy markets across Asia, Europe, and other importing regions.
You can also: Explore Saudi Arabia’s top exports trend overview
3. What are Israel's top 3 exports?
Israel’s top three exports are electrical machinery and electronics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and precious stones such as polished diamonds.
- Electrical machinery includes integrated circuits, telecommunications equipment, and computing technology.
- The chemical sector is led by pharmaceutical products and industrial chemicals.
- Precious stones, particularly polished diamonds, remain a significant contributor to Israel’s export value alongside medical technology and aerospace components.
Explore Israel’s top exporting categories & countries in 2025.
4. How much oil does the Middle East export globally?
The Middle East accounts for over 40% of global oil exports, exporting more than 1.36 billion tons of oil equivalent annually. Major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Iran, and Kuwait drive this supply, making the region one of the most important energy exporters in the world.
