Top 5 products to export to Saudi Arabia from Nigeria in 2025

Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading producer of crude oil, has a population of approximately 37.4 million people as of January 2025 and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $1,067.58 billion in 2023, according to official data from the World Bank. This GDP accounts for 1.01 per cent of the global economy.

Top import countries for Saudi Arabia include China, the UAE, the USA, India, and Germany. However, aside from crude oil, Nigerians are beginning to tap into other business opportunities. Abdullah Muhammad Narabi, CEO of Easy Consult Exports noted that Saudi Arabia offers a huge market for other Nigerian products.

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Here are the top 5 crops Nigeria can export to Saudi Arabia.

Hibiscus flowers

According to data from Volza.com, Saudi Arabia is a significant importer of hibiscus flowers, accounting for 35 per cent of the global market share. This substantial share is based on 71 import shipments, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s prominent role in the global hibiscus flower trade.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s total imports of cut flowers and flower buds amounted to $109 million, with hibiscus flowers being a notable component of this category. The primary sources of these hibiscus flower imports include Kenya, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, Ecuador, South Africa, Egypt, Thailand, Indonesia, Nigeria and Columbia.

The high demand for hibiscus flowers in Saudi Arabia is driven by their use in various applications, including culinary dishes, beverages, and traditional herbal remedies. The country’s significant market share underscores its importance in the global hibiscus flower industry.

Sesame seeds

In 2023, Nigeria exported sesame oil and its fractions worth $94,530 to Saudi Arabia, which amounted to 18,910 kilograms of the product according to the World Bank.

Sesame seeds, derived from the Sesamum indicum plant, are small, oil-rich seeds that have been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries. Unhulled seeds retain their outer edible husk, while hulled seeds are processed to remove it. The presence of the husk gives the seeds a golden-brown colour.

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Gum Arabic

In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s imports of Natural Gum Arabic was $1,517.77K and quantity 341,532Kg according to World Bank 2023 reports. The majority of gum arabic exports come from Africa, particularly from regions like the Nile River basin (Sudan, Ethiopia), the Lake Chad area (Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Central African Republic), and the Senegal River basin (Senegal, Mali, Mauritania).

The global market for gum Arabic is largely controlled by a small number of countries when it comes to exports, reexports, and imports. The European Union stands as the largest importer, accounting for more than 70% of global imports. Gum Arabic is primarily valued for its emulsifying and adhesive properties, making it a key ingredient in pharmaceutical products, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

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Spices

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) reports, Nigeria exported spices worth $1.34 million to Saudi Arabia in 2022, with exports increasing to $1.38 million in 2023.

Spices play a crucial role in Saudi Arabian cuisine, enhancing the flavour and aroma of various dishes. These aromatic ingredients are commonly used in traditional meals such as soups, stews, and popular street foods. Key spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon are staple additions, adding depth and warmth to the rich culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Tea

In 2023, Nigeria exported $1.36 million worth of tea to Saudi Arabia, contributing to a total export value of $66.39 million from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, according to United Nations COMTRADE data. This tea trade is part of a deeper cultural connection, as tea holds a special place in Saudi Arabian life. It’s more than just a drink—tea is woven into the fabric of Saudi hospitality.

Frequently enjoyed with meals and served to guests, it’s considered impolite to refuse a cup when offered. Saudi tea varieties range from the rich, spiced Karak tea, to refreshing mint-infused blends, and exotic, vibrant blue tea made from pea flowers. Teas like black, green, and red are common, often enhanced with flavours like cardamom, saffron, and basil, adding layers of aromatic complexity. The deep cultural significance of tea in Saudi Arabia makes this export an essential part of the ongoing exchange between these two nations, blending tradition and commerce seamlessly.