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Research and Markets: Saudi Arabia Freight Transport Report Q1 2012

Through 2011 and the government, influenced by the Arab Spring which has toppled regimes in other regional countries and destabilised others, is pumping some of the surplus from this into a massive stimulus package. The infrastructure investment and higher disposable incomes this will cause will help growth continue at the country's maritime ports.

Specific investments in expanding these maritime facilities, and in projects such as the Saudi Landbridge, will further boost throughputs. Rail volumes are set to rise on the back of the Landbridge and the North- South Railway, while air freight volumes are being boosted by the continued expansion of national carrier Saudia. Risks are on the horizon, however, as a slowdown in growth in China, and continued economic crises in the West, could lead to another downturn in 2012.

Headline Industry Data

• Total Saudi Arabian trade set to increase 1.5% in 2012 in real terms, with imports growing 5.0% but exports forecast to contract by 2.0%.
• Air freight volumes set to grow 4.9% in 2012, to reach 640,480 tonnes. Growth to 2016 to average 4.5% per annum.
• 2012 tonnage throughput growth at Jeddah Islamic Port forecast at 2.5%, and to average 1.7% a year to 2015.
• 2012 rail freight volumes forecast to grow by 6.3% in 2012 and to average 5.6% over our forecast period.

Read more inside Saudi Arabia Freight Transport Report Q1 2012

Companies Mentioned:

• Vela International Marine (Vela)
• National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (NSCSA)
• Saudi Airlines Cargo (Saudia)
• United Arab Shipping Company (UASC)

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2f5152/saudi_arabia_freig

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