Exporting European Animal Feed to Saudi Arabia: Volumes, Regulations & Margins

Saudi Arabia produces approximately 1.2 million tonnes of poultry meat annually and imports over 85% of its animal feed. The Kingdom's livestock sector — poultry, dairy, and sheep — requires enormous volumes of compound feed, premixes, feed additives, and protein concentrates, the majority of which come from European and American suppliers. European producers have a quality and traceability advantage that Saudi integrators actively seek.

The Regulatory Path for Feed Exports

Animal feed for livestock in Saudi Arabia is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), not SFDA. This is the first thing most feed exporters learn — usually after spending 3 months preparing an SFDA application that was never required. The MEWA registration process involves: product registration with the National Center for Veterinary Drugs, Pesticides and Feed Control (NCVDPFC), a certificate of free sale from the EU or national competent authority, a complete analytical certificate of the product, and composition declaration with all active and inactive ingredients.

Market Opportunity by Category

• Poultry premixes and vitamins — highest demand, driven by Saudi broiler production growth of 4–6% annually
• Dairy cattle concentrates — Saudi dairy sector uses European-spec concentrates for its Holstein herds
• Feed additives (enzymes, probiotics, acidifiers) — fast-growing segment as Saudi integrators adopt European-style biosecurity protocols
• Protein concentrates (soy, canola meal) — large volumes but lower margin; relationship-driven trade

Margin Expectations

European feed additive and premix manufacturers typically achieve 18–28% gross margins in the Saudi market — materially higher than European domestic margins for comparable volumes. The premium is driven by European quality perception, GCC feed integrators' quality specifications, and the relatively low number of established European feed exporters with Saudi market presence.