US Tariffs on Imports from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia faces a 10% Section 122 tariff on US imports, unchanged in rate from its prior IEEPA level but now operating under different legal authority 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 10% rate continues under Section 122 authority (effective Feb 24, expires ~July 24, 2026). The rate is numerically unchanged from the old IEEPA floor. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs of 50% remain in full force — Saudi aluminum from Ma'aden continues to face this surcharge. 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 10% Section 122 tariff 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 on top of the 10% Section 122 — compare with Australian aluminum (exempt from Section 232). With Section 122 set to expire ~July 24, 2026, plan inventory timing around the potential rate change. Consider the declining volume of Saudi crude in the US energy mix when evaluating long-term sourcing strategies.