Industrial production grew by 8.9% in December 2025... Promising economic indicators
In a strong indicator reflecting the resilience of the national economy and the accelerating pace of growth in vital sectors, official data released by the General Authority for Statistics revealed a notable increase of 8.9% in the industrial production index during December 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year. These results confirm the success of economic policies aimed at enhancing production efficiency and diversifying sources of income.
Growth engines: Mining and manufacturing take center stage
The statistical bulletin revealed that this remarkable growth was primarily driven by the exceptional performance of the mining and quarrying sector, which recorded a year-on-year jump of 13.2%. This sector is considered a cornerstone of the industrial production equation, given its significant weight in the index. In a related context, the manufacturing sector continued its upward trajectory, achieving growth of 3.2%, reflecting the expansion of production capacity in domestic factories and increased domestic and international demand for national products.
Balance of oil and non-oil activities
In a clear indication of the balanced economic structure, data showed that oil activities rose by 10.1%, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a key player in global energy markets and ensuring the sustainability of supplies. Simultaneously, non-oil activities recorded strong growth of 5.8%, a vital indicator reflecting the success of economic transformation programs and the reduction of overall dependence on oil as the sole source of income, thus granting the economy greater resilience in the face of global fluctuations.
Infrastructure and support services
Growth was not limited to direct production sectors but extended to essential services and infrastructure sectors as well. Water supply, sanitation, waste management, and treatment activities recorded significant growth of 9.4%. This figure reflects the substantial investments made in infrastructure projects to improve quality of life and support environmental sustainability. In contrast, the electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply sector experienced a slight decline of 2.5%, which may be attributed to improved energy efficiency or seasonal factors affecting demand.
Economic importance of the index
The Industrial Production Index (IPI) is of paramount importance to policymakers, investors, and economic analysts, as it serves as an accurate measure of changes in the volume of real production within a country. The General Authority for Statistics employs rigorous scientific methodologies and the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4) in its preparation, ensuring data transparency and international comparability. These positive figures for December 2025 indicate that the industrial sector continues to play a pivotal role as an engine of economic growth, enhancing the attractiveness of the investment environment and opening new avenues for job creation and supporting GDP.
