Qatar's non-energy private sector recorded its first output growth of 2025 in April, according to the latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) released Monday, despite slower employment gains and a slight dip in new business inflows. The headline PMI eased to 50.7 from 52.0 in March, marking the lowest reading in three months and falling below the long-run average of 52.3. While the index remained above the neutral 50.0 threshold for the 16th consecutive month, indicating continued expansion, the pace of growth slowed due to weaker demand and a cooling labour market. Output rose across manufacturing, services, and retail, while construction activity stabilised. Companies increased input purchasing for a second month as outstanding work expanded and supplier delivery times improved at the fastest pace in eight months. Employment growth remained strong but softened across all sectors, bringing job creation to its slowest rate since August 2024. Wage inflation also moderated to a five-month low. Meanwhile, input cost inflation accelerated, but output prices declined for the ninth consecutive month, with the steepest fall since November 2024. Despite softer business sentiment, Qatari firms remained optimistic, supported by real estate and construction growth, rising expatriate numbers, and government development plans. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser Download
