So is now the right time for you to start selling there? Here’s what you need to know.
\nHaving grown to a global economic power in a relatively short space of time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KAS) is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East.
\nThere, you will find a tech-savvy bunch, and a government that is keen to support digitalisation initiatives. Attitudes to online shopping are quickly changing – penetration rates are at\n 65.5 – signifying great scope for e-commerce growth.
\n\nAdvances in technology, the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in consumer behaviour have all driven substantial growth in the e-commerce sector in recent years. Statistics reveal a staggering\n increase in e-commerce sales growth from 2017 to 2023, with a jump from US$2.38 trillion to US$6.45 trillion.2.
\n\n With the upsurge in internet and mobile use, along with the government’s unwavering support for the sector’s growth, the adoption of online shopping platforms is expected to soar. Amongst the escalating adoption\n of digital innovations, digital wallets are primed to become the most prevalent form of online payment.\n
\nGlobal e-commerce growth rate 2021 to 2026
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\n Saudi Arabia is certainly seeing greater parcel volumes, but domestic logistics has yet to catch up with this rapid escalation. Last mile deliveries continue to face numerous pressures in handling customer\n expectations and managing large volumes of packages, all exacerbated by gaps in technological support, such as digital tracking.\n 3\n
\nTransit Times | \nUp to 6 working days | \n
Maximum Dimensions | \n120cm × 60cm × 60cm | \n
Maximum Weight | \n30kg | \n
Maximum Container Value | \nSAR 9,000 | \n
Low-Value Limit | \nSAR 1,000 | \n
Duty | \nVariable based on product; applicable on orders over SAR 1,000. Variable duty rates may apply | \n
Classification | \nDeclared Value (DV) (CIF) | \nCustoms Processing Fee (%0.15 of DV, Min 15 Max 500 SR) | \nHigh Value Custom Duty (%5 of Declared Value) | \n%15 VAT of (DV + Custom Processing Fee + High Value Customs Duty) | \nTotal Customs Fees in SR | \n
Low Value | \n100.00 | \n15.00 | \n0.00 | \n17.25 | \n32.25 | \n
Low Value | \n500.00 | \n15.00 | \n0.00 | \n77.25 | \n92.25 | \n
Low Value | \n999.00 | \n15.00 | \n0.00 | \n152.10 | \n167.10 | \n
High Value | \n1,000.00 | \n15.00 | \n50.00 | \n159.75 | \n224.75 | \n
High Value | \n1,500.00 | \n15.00 | \n75.00 | \n238.50 | \n328.50 | \n
High Value | \n10,000.00 | \n15.00 | \n500.00 | \n1,577.25 | \n2,092.25 | \n
High Value | \n15,000.00 | \n22.50 | \n750.00 | \n2,365.88 | \n3,138.38 | \n
High Value | \n333,333.00 | \n500.00 | \n16,666.65 | \n52,574.95 | \n69,741.60 | \n
High Value | \n500,000.00 | \n500.00 | \n25,000.00 | \n78,825.00 | \n104,325.00 | \n
Drop-shipping – when an item is purchased from a third party and shipped directly to the customer – is gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia due to its low startup costs and ease of entry. One of\n the biggest challenges to this, however, is finding reliable suppliers who can provide high-quality products and timely delivery.4
\n“The future of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly bright. With an agile logistics partner helping you to manage the last mile of deliveries, you can establish a foothold at a promising\n time.”
\nSimon Perkins, Commercial Director, SAMOS.
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