Saudi Arabia is a major exporter of plastics primarily due to its industry in what resource?

The correct answer is petroleum, as Saudi Arabia possesses vast reserves of crude oil, which serves as a critical raw material in the production of various petrochemicals, including plastics. The country's extensive oil industry provides the necessary feedstock for the petrochemical sector, enabling it to manufacture and export plastic products at a competitive scale.

Petroleum is processed into naphtha, which is a key building block for producing polyethylene, polypropylene, and other types of plastics. Saudi Arabia's strategic investments in this sector have allowed it to develop a robust infrastructure for both the extraction and processing of petroleum into higher-value products, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the global plastic market.

Other resources, such as natural gas, can also play a role in the production of certain types of plastics, but petroleum is the dominant source for the majority of plastic production in the region. Coal is not a significant player in Saudi Arabia’s industry, particularly compared to its oil and gas sectors, and timber is not relevant in this context for plastic production since plastics are derived from fossil fuels rather than organic materials.