The Saudi Arabian Market: Import Performance between 1970–80

A few years ago tremendous congestion at Saudi Arabia’s ports and insufficient internal transportation/distribution system resulted in a seller’s market. Prices were high and quality low. Retailers were reluctant make price concessions. The implementation of the Second Five Year Development Plan (1975–1980) was so successful that most of those conditions disappeared. A primary objective of the Second Plan was to expand the country's infrastructure including the ports, both sea and air, 'and the transportation system. Today, congestion at Saudi ports is long gone. Local communication and transportation systems are adequate. Cost of living increases are nominal and healthy competition exists in all aspects of buying and selling in both consumer and industrial markets. This study will focus on Saudi Arabia’s import performance between 1970 and 1980, corresponding to the First Five Year Development Plan (1970–1975) and the Second Five Year Development Plan (1975–1980).