DUBAI, Dec 5 Reuters Growth in nonoil business activity in Saudi Arabia eased in November from the previous month as a decline in export demand and inflationary pressures weighed, but the outlook was positive as new orders hit a fivemonth high, a survey showed on Tuesday.

The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers39; Index slowed to 57.5 in November, from 58.4 in October, but remained well above the 50 mark signalling growth.

Higher sales volumes drove output higher, with the output sub index rising to 61.2 in November from 60.1 in October.

The sub index for new orders surged to 66.3 in November, the fastest since June, on improved market conditions and increased investments, but remained largely driven by domestic demand as new export orders contracted by the sharpest pace since March 2021.

Naif AlGhaith, chief economist at Riyad Bank, said the decline in growth in foreign orders was attributable to the petrochemical sector which represents about 30 of nonoil exports.

Latest government trade data showed that nonoil exports, including reexports, dropped by 17.2 in September yearonyear and 20.7 monthonmonth.

In summary, the Saudi PMI has shown positive signs of expansion, driven by strong sales, increased orders and effective marketing strategies, AlGhaith said.

However, the export numbers, particularly in the petrochemical sectors, have remained relatively low compared to the previous year.

While the November pace of growth in employment…