Saudi Arabia Tariff Rates 2026: 12.5% on US Imports

Saudi Arabia faces the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff (which replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026) on US imports, up from its prior 10% IEEPA/Section 122 level, following the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling on Feb 20, 2026. US imports from Saudi Arabia total approximately $17B annually, heavily concentrated in crude oil (which enters at 0% MFN duty, limiting practical tariff impact) and a growing portfolio of petrochemicals and aluminum under Vision 2030 diversification.

The US-Saudi trade relationship is dominated by energy, with crude oil historically comprising the vast majority of imports. As US domestic oil production has surged, Saudi oil imports have declined significantly — Saudi Arabia now accounts for less than 5% of US crude imports, down from over 15% a decade ago. There is no bilateral FTA, though the US and Saudi Arabia maintain a strategic economic dialogue. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 diversification plan aims to expand non-oil exports, including petrochemicals, aluminum, and manufactured goods.

Key Products Imported from Saudi Arabia

Top imports include crude oil and refined petroleum products, fertilizers and chemicals, aluminum (Ma'aden), and plastics. Saudi Arabia is also a supplier of petrochemical feedstocks and urea-based fertilizers. Non-oil imports are relatively small but growing as the Saudi economy diversifies under Vision 2030, with petrochemical exports emerging as the second-largest category.

Recent Changes

Feb 20, 2026: Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs 6-3; Saudi Arabia's base rate moved to the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (12.5% tier), which replaced the expired 10% Section 122 baseline on July 24, 2026 — up from the old 10% IEEPA floor. Section 232 metals tariffs remain in full force — Saudi aluminum from Ma'aden faces 50% on primary/unwrought aluminum articles, with 25% on qualifying derivative products (both on full customs value, after the April 6, 2026 restructuring). Saudi crude oil imports to the US have continued declining as US domestic production has grown. No FTA negotiations are currently active.

Tips for Importers

Crude oil is classified under HTS codes with 0% MFN duty, so the 12.5% Section 301 forced-labor tariff (which replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026) is the only layer on Saudi Arabia's primary export — and many energy products receive favorable treatment. For petrochemicals and plastics, verify HTS classifications as rates vary significantly by processing stage. Saudi aluminum from Ma'aden faces the 50% Section 232 tariff (the forced-labor surcharge does not stack on the metal content of a Section 232 article, so the rate is 50%, not 60%) — compare with Australian aluminum (exempt from Section 232). Section 122 expired July 24, 2026 and was replaced by the 12.5% forced-labor tariff, so plan inventory timing accordingly. Consider the declining volume of Saudi crude in the US energy mix when evaluating long-term sourcing strategies.