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Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)

Summary

Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia's PMI rose to 57.8 in September 2025 from 56.4 in August, marking the fastest expansion in the non-oil private sector since March. The latest reading was supported by improved business activity growth, as non-oil companies increased output to the greatest extent since February. In response, purchasing activity accelerated to a three-month high, which subsequently led to the strongest expansion in inventory levels since April.

Meanwhile, employment increased sharply, boosted by higher demand, while backlogs of work remained stable, after rising in the previous two months. On prices, input cost inflation remained stronger than the series average, driven by rising wage pressures and higher supplier costs. However, output cost infation eased to a four-month low amid strong competition. Looking ahead, business sentiment improved amid hopes of higher demand, increased sales enquiries, successful marketing efforts, and new client acquisitions.

Source: S&P Global

Other Economic Indicators

Economic Growth

Real GDP

Saudi Riyal icon
5

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Quarterly

Definition

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an inflation-adjusted measure that reflects the value of all goods and services produced by an economy in a given year.

Last Update

Q3 2025

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Labor Market

Saudi Unemployment

Saudi Riyal icon
6.8

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Quarterly

Definition

Unemployment is a key indicator of economic health that occurs when individuals who are actively seeking work are unable to find employment.

Last Update

Q2 2025

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Saudi Labor Force Participation

Saudi Riyal icon
49.2

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Quarterly

Definition

The labor force participation rate is an estimate of an economy’s active workforce. Saudi Labor Force Participation = Total average Saudi work force (females and males above 15 years / Saudi population).

Last Update

Q2 2025

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Non-saudi labor force participation

Saudi Riyal icon
82.4

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Quarterly

Definition

The labor force participation rate is an estimate of an economy’s active workforce. Non Saudi Labor Force Participation = Total average non Saudi work force (females and males above 15 years / Non-Saudi population).

Last Update

Q2 2025

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Trade

Trade Balance

Saudi Riyal icon
24,240 M

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Monthly

Definition

Trade balance is the difference between the value of a country's exports and the value of a country's imports.

Last Update

August 2025

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Goods imports

Saudi Riyal icon
74,858 M

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Monthly

Definition

An import is a product or service that is produced in one country and purchased in another.

Last Update

July 2025

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Goods exports

Saudi Riyal icon
99,098 M

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Monthly

Definition

Exports are goods and services manufactured or provided by businesses in one country and sold or traded in another.

Last Update

August 2025

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Foreign Direct Investments

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Net flows

Saudi Riyal icon
22,822M

 Points

%

Frequency: 

Quarterly

Definition

FDI in Saudi Arabia is the process by which non-Saudi investors establish or acquire business operations in the Kingdom, either by setting up new enterprises, acquiring stakes in existing companies, or forming joint ventures with local entities. These investments are aimed at long-term participation and management involvement in the Saudi market.

Last Update

Q2 2025

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Notes: MoM: Month over Month, QoQ: Quarter over Quarter, YOY: Year over Year.
M= million SAR.
B= billion SAR.
Source: GASTAT, SAMA, IMF, World Bank

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