IMF: Overall Saudi GDP Projected to Grow 7.6%

IMF confirms that Saudi Arabia mitigated the economic risks resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war (Asharq Al-Awsat)
IMF confirms that Saudi Arabia mitigated the economic risks resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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IMF: Overall Saudi GDP Projected to Grow 7.6%

IMF confirms that Saudi Arabia mitigated the economic risks resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war (Asharq Al-Awsat)
IMF confirms that Saudi Arabia mitigated the economic risks resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted solid indicators for the Saudi economy, expecting a 7.6 percent overall GDP growth in 2022.

Non-oil growth will increase to 4.2 percent in 2022, with the current account surplus will increase to 17.4 percent of GDP in 2022, said the Fund experts.

An IMF mission conducted discussions for the 2022 Article IV Consultation from May 23-June 6 and issued a concluding statement describing their preliminary findings.

The experts emphasized the strength of the Saudi economy and its financial position, explaining that the country's economic prospects have a positive outlook in the short and medium term.

"The near and medium-term outlook for Saudi Arabia is positive as growth is picking up, inflation will remain contained, and the external position will strengthen further."

The Fund indicated that the Kingdom managed the COVID-19 pandemic well and is well-positioned to weather the risks posed by the war in Ukraine and the monetary policy tightening cycle in advanced economies.

"Economic activity is picking up strongly, supported by a higher oil price and the reforms unleashed under Vision 2030," read the statement.

Saudi authorities' commitment to fiscal discipline should help further strengthen fiscal and external sustainability and avoid procyclicality while implementing the ambitious structural reform agenda will help ensure a durable, inclusive, and green recovery.

"Saudi Arabia is recovering strongly following a deep pandemic-induced recession."

The report also explained that the overall growth was robust at 3.2 percent in 2021, driven by recovering non-oil manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and the trade sector.

The Fund pointed out that with increased labor force participation of nationals offsetting expatriates' departures, the unemployment rate has fallen further to 11 percent, a 1.6 percent drop from 2020, mainly owing to higher employment for Saudi nationals, particularly women, in the private sector.

The statement said that financial stability risks are well contained, and the banking system is profitable, liquid, and well-capitalized.

The staff's preliminary analysis found that the impact on credit growth and non-oil GDP is negligible and positive for the banking sector profitability when oil prices and liquidity are high.

They touched on the Kingdom's efforts concerning climate policies, stressing that the government is working to intensify investments in blue and green hydrogen production and is undertaking research and development focusing on the circular carbon economy.

They confirmed the strength of the Kingdom's economy and the power of its financial position, reflected in the great effort made by the government to promote its economic reforms in light of Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia works on various projects in different sectors, including infrastructure, logistics, entertainment, tourism, and mining.

"The mission welcomes the Kingdom's commitment to fiscal sustainability and efforts to avoid procyclicality by setting a spending ceiling that would be delinked from oil price fluctuations."



Saudi Business and Job Growth Hit 14-Year High

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
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Saudi Business and Job Growth Hit 14-Year High

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (AFP)

Business conditions in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector improved notably in June, driven by a marked rise in customer demand and expanded production, according to the latest Riyad Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data.

New business volumes surged, fueling the fastest pace of employment growth since May 2011. This strong demand for workers pushed wage costs to record highs, adding pressure on overall expenses and contributing to a fresh increase in output prices.

The headline PMI climbed to 57.2 in June from 55.8 in May - its highest level in three months and slightly above the long-term average of 56.9. The reading signaled a robust improvement in the health of the non-oil private sector economy.

Companies reported another rise in new orders last month, with growth accelerating following a recent low in April. Many firms cited gaining new clients, alongside improved marketing efforts and stronger demand conditions. Domestic sales were the main driver of the increase, while export sales edged up slightly.

Purchasing Activity Expands

Production continued to expand through the end of Q2, although growth slowed to a 10-month low. Purchasing activity picked up sharply as companies sought to secure additional inputs to meet rising demand, with the pace of purchase growth reaching its fastest in two years.

Employment growth accelerated as businesses rapidly expanded their workforce to keep pace with incoming orders, pushing hiring to the highest level since mid-2011. This strong recruitment trend, which began early in 2025, was largely driven by a rising need for skilled workers, prompting companies to increase salary offers. Consequently, overall wage costs rose at the fastest rate since the PMI survey started in 2009.

Facing mounting cost pressures from higher raw material prices, firms raised their selling prices sharply in June , the biggest increase since late 2023, reversing declines recorded in two of the previous three months. This price hike largely reflected the passing of higher operating costs onto customers, although some companies opted for competitive pricing strategies by cutting prices.

Resilient Economic Outlook

Looking ahead, non-oil private sector firms remained confident about business activity over the next 12 months. Optimism hit a two-year high, supported by resilient domestic economic conditions, strong demand, and improved sales. Supply-side conditions also showed positive momentum, with another strong improvement in supplier performance.

Dr. Naif Alghaith, Chief Economist at Riyad Bank, said: “Future expectations among non-oil companies remain very positive. Business confidence reached its highest level in two years, underpinned by strong order inflows and improving local economic conditions.”

He added: “However, cost pressures became more pronounced in June, with wage growth hitting record levels as companies compete to retain talent. Purchasing prices also rose at the fastest pace since February, partly driven by increased demand and geopolitical risks. Despite these challenges, companies broadly raised selling prices to recover from May’s declines, reflecting an improved ability to pass higher costs onto customers.”