Saudi Non-Oil Private Sector Returns to Growth

2026-05-05 04:21 By Joshua Ferrer 1 min. read

Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia’s PMI rose to 51.5 in April 2026 from March's sharp contraction at 48.8, signaling a modest recovery in the non-oil private sector after disruptions due to the Middle East war.

The rebound was driven by improved domestic demand and a pickup in new business, but growth remained subdued as Middle East conflict-related uncertainty continued to delay spending and investment decisions.

Export orders fell at the fastest pace on record, and output expanded but at a historically muted pace, while purchasing activity declined for a second month amid cautious input buying.

Inventories increased as firms sought to buffer against supply disruptions, with delivery times lengthening due to shipping delays.

Cost pressures intensified sharply, with input prices rising at the fastest rate in the survey’s history, pushing selling prices near record highs.

Still, business sentiment improved, supported by strong domestic fundamentals and ongoing government-led development.



News Stream
Saudi Non-Oil Private Sector Returns to Growth
Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia’s PMI rose to 51.5 in April 2026 from March's sharp contraction at 48.8, signaling a modest recovery in the non-oil private sector after disruptions due to the Middle East war. The rebound was driven by improved domestic demand and a pickup in new business, but growth remained subdued as Middle East conflict-related uncertainty continued to delay spending and investment decisions. Export orders fell at the fastest pace on record, and output expanded but at a historically muted pace, while purchasing activity declined for a second month amid cautious input buying. Inventories increased as firms sought to buffer against supply disruptions, with delivery times lengthening due to shipping delays. Cost pressures intensified sharply, with input prices rising at the fastest rate in the survey’s history, pushing selling prices near record highs. Still, business sentiment improved, supported by strong domestic fundamentals and ongoing government-led development.
2026-05-05
Saudi Non-Oil Private Sector Contracts the Most in 6 Years
Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia’s PMI plunged to 48.8 in March 2026 from 56.1 in the prior month, signaling the first drop in the non-oil private sector in near six years and the steepest downturn since a record low in March 2020. The decline stemmed from Middle East war disruptions that strained supply chains and delayed client spending. New orders stalled, export demand shrank the most in six years, and output growth eased. Buying levels slowed, though inventories rose, reflecting limited stockpile reduction. Employment rose but at a weaker pace, while delivery times lengthened the most since June 2020 amid shipping delays and higher fuel costs. Supply constraints lifted backlogs to their highest since July 2018. On inflation, input cost rose the least in a year on softer wage pressures, though fuel and freight costs raised purchasing and selling prices. Sentiment dipped to its lowest since June 2020, as war concerns overshadowed support from government spending.
2026-04-05
Saudi Non-Oil Private Sector Growth Eases in February
Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia’s PMI edged down to 56.1 in February 2026 from 56.3 in January, signaling the softest improvement in non-oil business conditions in nine months. Output growth remained robust but lost pace, hitting a six-month low as competitive pressures and moderating international orders weighed on expansion. Meanwhile, the labour market showed notable strength. Staff numbers rose sharply, fueling a survey-record increase in wages as firms competed to retain and attract talent. Selling prices also accelerated, recording the joint-fastest uplift since May 2023. Sub-indices for domestic sales and new orders continued to rise strongly, supported by elevated customer demand, digital initiatives, and collaborative client projects. Order books expanded broadly, highlighting sustained domestic activity. Looking ahead, business confidence remained positive, with firms citing new client projects, stronger demand, and improving domestic economic conditions.
2026-03-03