Saudi Arabia’s industrial production index fell 23.5% in August 2026 from a year earlier, weighed down by declines in mining and quarrying and manufacturing activity, data from the General Authority for Statistics showed on Sunday. On a monthly basis, the index dropped 14% from July, amid declines in both main activities. The data showed that the oil activities index fell 33.6% year on year, while the non-oil activities index rose 1.2%, reflecting divergent performances between the two sectors during the month. By economic activity, the mining and quarrying index declined 35.8% year on year and 24% from July. The manufacturing index fell 8.8% annually and 3.2% month on month. The decline in manufacturing was driven by a 24.1% year-on-year drop in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products, and a 3.3% decrease in the manufacture of chemicals and chemical products. Some industrial activities, however, recorded annual growth. The index for electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply rose 9.4%, while the index for water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities increased 7.4%. On a monthly basis, the non-oil activities index rose 1.4%, while the oil activities index fell 21.5%, according to the authority’s preliminary data.
