Saudi PMI rises to 57.8 points in September

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The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), formerly S&P Global Saudi Arabia PMI, rose to 57.8 points in September 2025.

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector economy recorded its strongest improvement in six months, as business activity expanded at the fastest pace since February. The growth was driven by strong inflows of new business, increased purchasing activity, and ongoing recruitment efforts.

Companies reported that robust demand conditions supported both domestic and international orders, while business confidence strengthened. Meanwhile, output price inflation eased, despite a renewed sharp increase in input costs.

The main driver behind the latest results was the significant acceleration in business activity growth, as non-oil producers raised output to the highest level since February.

About 27% of surveyed firms reported expansion, compared with just 1% citing a decline. As a result, the output subindex rose by around five points from August, marking its largest monthly gain in four years.

Non-oil firms also pointed to a faster rise in new order volumes during September.

Survey data showed that businesses benefited from favorable market conditions, new clients, enhanced marketing efforts, and competitive pricing. In addition to stronger domestic demand, these factors also contributed to a second consecutive monthly increase in new international business.

Positive demand trends prompted non-oil firms to accelerate input purchases during the month. Purchasing activity growth reached a three-month high, resulting in the strongest inventory accumulation since April.

Companies cited effective inventory management and proactive stock planning to maintain smooth supply chain operations and prepare for future orders.