In a move reflecting the accelerating growth of the Saudi industrial sector, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced the processing of 1,318 applications for industrial customs exemptions during December 2025. This achievement comes as part of ongoing efforts to empower national industrial establishments and enhance their competitiveness in local and global markets, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economic base away from oil.
Details of exemptions and official figures
The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Jarrah Al-Jarrah, explained that the processed requests covered a wide range of vital production inputs. The exempted lists included 7,645 items of raw materials necessary for manufacturing, in addition to 14,156 items of machinery, equipment, and spare parts. These substantial figures reflect the scale of industrial activity and the increasing demand for expanding production lines and upgrading the technologies used in Saudi factories to enhance their operational efficiency.
Strategic context and importance of the event
These exemptions are not merely routine administrative procedures; they are an integral part of the national industrial strategy aimed at transforming the Kingdom into a leading global industrial power. This strategy addresses the challenges facing investors through a package of incentives and enablers. Customs exemptions are among the most important financial tools for reducing operating costs (OPEX) and establishment costs (CAPEX) for factories, which directly contributes to lowering the final product cost for the consumer and increasing profit margins for manufacturers.
Expected economic impact
Economically, customs exemptions contribute to strengthening the “Made in Saudi Arabia” brand by giving local products a competitive price advantage over imported goods. Furthermore, reducing tariffs on raw materials and machinery encourages foreign direct investment, as investors consistently seek legislative environments that offer tangible tax and customs incentives. This support also contributes to the sustainability of local supply chains and reduces reliance on imports of finished products, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s industrial security.
Digital transformation and streamlining procedures
The Ministry affirmed that obtaining customs exemption is done through streamlined and fully automated procedures via the “Sina’i” digital platform. This reflects the commitment of the industrial and mining sector to facilitating the journey for industrial investors, from initial idea to production and export, thereby ensuring a flexible and efficient business environment that supports private sector growth and creates new job opportunities for Saudi nationals across various industrial fields.
