Latest data shows strong annual expansion across key sectors, supporting upbeat World Bank and IMF forecasts for the Kingdom’s economy.
RIYADH — Industrial activity in Saudi Arabia expanded sharply in October, rising 8.9% compared to the same month last year, driven by higher oil output and growth across manufacturing and utility sectors.
Figures released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) also showed a 0.3% monthly increase, underscoring sustained momentum in the Kingdom’s industrial sector.
The mining and quarrying sector — which includes oil production — grew 11.5% year-on-year, supported by a rise in crude output to 10 million barrels per day in October, up from 8.9 million barrels a day in October 2024.
Manufacturing activity rose 5.5% annually, led by refined petroleum products (up 8%) and chemicals and chemical products (up 8.1%). Electricity, gas, and air conditioning supply increased 5.1%, while water supply and waste management activities jumped 8.5%.
The strong industrial performance aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider economic growth, which reached 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025, and reflects progress under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 diversification agenda.
Recent forecasts from international institutions have been revised upward in light of the economy’s strength. The World Bank this month raised its 2025 growth projection for Saudi Arabia to 3.8%, while the International Monetary Fund in October forecast 4% growth for both 2025 and 2026.
