Kuwait reported a solid improvement in private economic activity in November as output strengthened and new orders increased. The Kuwait non-oil sector recorded another month of expansion, confirming steady momentum in the country’s diversification efforts. The Kuwait non-oil sector continued to benefit from rising demand, stronger hiring, and improving business confidence across key industries.
According to recent economic data, the Purchasing Managers’ Index climbed to 53.4 in November from 52.8 in October. This reading signaled a faster improvement in business conditions and supported confidence within the Kuwait non-oil sector. Furthermore, the index has stayed above the 50-point threshold for more than a year, highlighting ongoing private-sector resilience.
New orders grew at the quickest pace in four months. Companies linked the rise to competitive pricing, stronger marketing, and higher-quality products. Additionally, export demand increased as more regional and international buyers responded to Kuwait’s improving price and quality advantages. Firms noted that stronger sales encouraged them to increase output once again.
Output expanded for the thirty-fourth straight month. Growth reached the highest level since June, and firms continued to adjust operations to meet rising demand. Companies increased hiring to support delivery schedules and reduce delays. Although job creation reached a five-month high, workloads still accumulated because demand stayed strong across many industries.
Input costs climbed at the fastest pace in five months. Firms reported higher expenses for electricity, printing services, transportation, rent, and wages. Increased staffing needs also pushed employment costs upward. Companies continued to compete aggressively on pricing, so they raised output charges only slightly. Even so, inflation for selling prices reached a seventeen-month high.
Purchasing activity increased sharply as firms prepared for higher demand. Moreover, inventories recorded their largest build-up in a year while suppliers delivered materials more quickly. Many companies said that shorter delivery times supported faster production cycles and improved overall efficiency.
Business confidence improved for the third consecutive month. Companies linked their optimism to stronger marketing strategies, higher demand, and improved competitive positioning. Many businesses expect further gains as long as cost pressures remain manageable and market conditions stay supportive.
Economic analysts noted that rising input costs could challenge pricing strategies soon. Even with stronger demand, companies must carefully manage expenses to protect margins and maintain competitiveness.
The latest survey covered roughly 350 private companies across Kuwait’s non-oil economy. The results show continued expansion and sustained progress toward broader economic diversification goals.
