Saudi Arabia Non-Oil Private Sector PMI2011-2020 Data | 2021-2022 Forecast

The IHS Markit Saudi Arabia PMI dropped to 54.9 in January 2020, the lowest since December 2018, from 56.9 in December. Survey respondents noted that strong competition and more cautious spending patterns among customers had held back new business growth. At the same time, output growth was unchanged from December's 14-month low. In addition, employment grew the least since August last year; while buying levels rose at the slowest rate in 12 months, with stocks of inputs rising the least since August 2019. At the same time, export sales fell slightly, reflecting relatively subdued business conditions in key overseas markets. In terms of inflation, a marginal rise in purchasing prices was offset by subdued wage pressures. Prices charged, meanwhile, increased slightly, amid a greater competition for new work. Looking ahead, sentiment hit its lowest in almost 1-1/2 years.

The IHS Markit Saudi Arabia PMI dropped to a five month low of 56.9 in December 2019 from 58.3 in the previous month. Both output new orders expanded at softer rates. Also, employment grew for the ninth straight month, but the rate of growth was only marginal, amid a renewed increased in backlogs of work. At the same time, new export orders declined for the first time since February on the back of slowing foreign demand. Meanwhile, input buying rose at a robust and accelerated pace, with stocks of purchases increasing the most in over the past two years. In terms of inflation, input cost rose the least in four months, which largely reflected a slower rise in average staff salaries. Looking ahead, sentiment softened a little, but remained comfortably above the levels seen in the middle of 2019.

The IHS Markit Saudi Arabia PMI increased to 58.3 in November 2019, the highest since August 2015, from 57.8 in the prior month. New export orders increased faster, new orders expanded the most since April 2015 and output grew further. Meanwhile, employment went up marginally and unchanged from October's increase, amid a lack of pressure on business capacity, as referenced by work outstanding decreasing for the second time in the past four months. At the same time, growth in buying levels eased to the slowest in three months. On the price front, selling prices rose for the third straight month, though the rise was marginal. Overall input prices continued to increase, but the rate of inflation eased for the second month running and was subdued by historical standards. Finally, sentiment was at the highest since April.

The IHS Markit Saudi Arabia PMI increased to 57.8 in October 2019, the highest since August 2015, from 57.3 in the prior month. Output and new order growth quickened , with the latter rising at the sharpest rate since June. Also, October also saw a sharp increase in purchasing activity as firms looked to bring their buying levels into line with higher output requirements and build up inventories. At the same time, export sales rose further, though at a slower rate. Also, employment growth slowed as firms remained reluctant to take on additional staff. On the price front, overall operating expenses were little changed, as a slight rise in purchasing costs was offset by a marginal fall in average staff pay. Meantime, output prices fall for second time in the past five months. Lastly, sentiment edged up, amid forecasts of greater sales.