Saudi Non Oil Industry Grows 1.4% in March 2026

The General Authority for Statistics reported that Saudi Arabia’s non-oil industrial activity rose by 1.4% in March 2026 compared with February, despite an overall decline in industrial production linked to weaker oil-related output.

The overall Industrial Production Index fell 14.1% year-on-year in March, as oil activities declined by 20% compared to March 2025 and by 30.8% month-on-month. Non-oil activities remained broadly stable on an annual basis.

Mining and quarrying activity recorded the steepest contraction, falling 22.2% year-on-year and 36% compared with February. Manufacturing output also declined by 4.7% annually and 0.7% month-on-month.

Within manufacturing, production of coke and refined petroleum products fell 4.3% from February, while chemicals and chemical products declined 4.5% year-on-year. Electrical devices production dropped by 3.4% annually.

Several manufacturing segments nevertheless recorded growth. Basic metals production increased by 9% year-on-year, paper and paper products rose 2%, non-metallic mineral products edged up 0.8%, and beverage production increased by 0.5%.

Outside manufacturing, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply rose 10.1% year-on-year and 4.3% month-on-month. Water supply, sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities increased by 1.1% annually and 2% compared with February.