GDP in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia - GDP (billions of U.S. Dollars)
Preliminary estimate shows contraction in GDP eases in Q3
The first ever flash figure released by the General Authority of Statistics estimated the economy contracted 4.2% on an annual basis in the third quarter, after plunging 7.0% in the second quarter. The result marked the fifth consecutive quarter of falling output but showed a notable recovery from the previous quarter’s sharp decline—the steepest since current records began in Q1 2011.
Although a detailed breakdown is not yet available, the easing of lockdown measures throughout Q3 likely sparked a strong recovery in the non-oil private sector economy. The non-oil private sector PMI averaged higher in the quarter relative to Q2, while credit growth and point of sale transactions were up notably year-on-year. Moreover, the oil sector likely fared better than in Q2 as output in September increased on an annual basis for the first time since April—chiefly due to a low base effect. That said, average daily crude oil production was lower in Q3 than in Q2 amid ongoing OPEC+ production cuts.
Looking ahead, the recent downward revision to OPEC’s global oil demand outlook for next year has raised concerns over whether the alliance will delay the easing of production curtailments planned for January. The tightening of lockdown measures and uncertainty over the timing and distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine are key risks to global oil demand prospects for H1 next year, and in turn Saudi Arabia’s oil sector. That said, the economy should rebound robustly next year as the impact of domestic lockdown measures fades. Moreover, comprehensive labor market reform initiatives and robust monetary stimulus should also benefit the non-oil private sector.
Commenting on the outlook, analysts at Jadwa Investment noted:
“Whilst there is still a considerable degree of uncertainty as a result of the prevalence of Covid-19, and its potential impact on the non-oil economy […] we see a sequential quarter-on-quarter improvement in the Saudi economy over the remainder of Q4 2020 and next year, with this recovery being more vigorous in the second half of 2021. […] Unsurprisingly, the main risk to our forecast relates to a second wave of Covid-19 occurring in the Kingdom before the roll-out of a vaccine, or indeed a delay in the current assumed timeline related to the roll-out of an effective vaccine.”
FocusEconomics Consensus Forecast panelists see the economy expanding 3.5% in 2021, which is down 0.2 percentage points from last month’s forecast. For 2022, panelists project GDP to grow 3.1%.
Saudi Arabia - GDP (USD bn) Data
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
GDP (USD bn) | 654 | 645 | 689 | 786 | 793 |
Saudi Arabia Facts
Value | Change | Date | |
---|---|---|---|
Bond Yield | 2.49 | 0.0 % | Jun 23 |
Exchange Rate | 3.75 | 0.0 % | Dec 31 |
Stock Market | 0.2 | 1.00 % | Jan 07 |
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Economic News
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Saudi Arabia: Non-oil PMI rises marginally to a 14-month high in January
February 3, 2021
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), produced by IHS Markit, increased slightly from 57.0 in December to 57.1 in January, the highest reading since November 2019.
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Saudi Arabia: Inflation eases in December
January 15, 2021
Consumer prices decreased 0.22% over the previous month in December, sharper than November’s 0.1% dip.
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Saudi Arabia: Government announces smaller 2021 budget in bid to rein in deficit
January 11, 2021
In mid-December, the government announced the 2021 budget.
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Saudi Arabia: Non-oil PMI hits a 13-month high in December
January 5, 2021
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), produced by IHS Markit, increased from 54.7 in November to 57.0 in December, the highest reading in over one year.
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Saudi Arabia: Oil prices rise further in December; Saudi Arabia to cut production from February
January 4, 2021
Oil prices continued to rise over the last month, supported by positive developments on the Covid-19 vaccine front and solid Asian demand, notwithstanding tougher social distancing restrictions in many Western countries.