Qatar’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.8 points in May 2025 from 50.7 points in April, indicating an improvement in the economic activity of the non-oil private sector. The index remained above the neutral level of 50 points, which separates growth from contraction. According to the S&P Global PMI survey, the increase was driven by growth in new orders and employment. The employment index hit one of its highest levels in the survey’s history, and Qatari companies increased their purchases of production inputs to build inventory. Although output fell slightly, the backlog of work continued to rise. Trevor Balchin, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that business activity in the non-oil private sector had grown for the 17th consecutive month in May, albeit at a moderate pace. The average growth in the first half of 2025 was the lowest since 2020, primarily due to lower production and new orders, although the latter increased in May 2025. Since September, PMI readings have improved due to rapid employment growth. Continued growth in new orders will be crucial for maintaining this trend in the second half of 2025. The future outlook remains optimistic, with companies expecting stronger business activity growth in 2025 compared to the previous year. The average future output index since January 2025 was 62.5 points, close to the long-term average of 62.9 points and higher than the 54-point average from January to May 2024.
— new from (صدى البلد)
