Saudi imports up 8% in 2000

RIYADH, 17 April — The Kingdom’s imports rose eight percent in 2000 to SR113.5 billion ($30.3 billion), led by electrical equipment and food, according to Planning Ministry statistics. A statement released by the ministry said Kingdom’s non-oil exports increased 14 percent in the year to SR24.8 billion, dominated by petrochemicals and plastics. Electrical equipment made up 22 percent of imports, followed by foodstuff and vehicles with 18 percent each and chemicals with nine percent. Petrochemicals accounted for 49 percent of the exports, followed by plastics with 15 percent and minerals with eight percent, the agency said.