IMF projects Saudi Arabia budget deficit at 1.2 percent of GDP in 2023

IMF projects Saudi Arabia budget deficit at 1.2 percent of GDP in 2023

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Saudi Arabia to swing to a fiscal deficit of 1.2 percent of GDP in 2023, from a surplus of 2.5 percent in 2022, it said in its latest assessment report on Wednesday.The Saudi government has forecast a second consecutive budget surplus for this year, albeit narrower than in 2022.Saudi Arabia’s economy grew 8.7 percent last year on the back of high oil prices, allowing it to record its first budget surplus in almost a decade. Overall economic growth in 2023 is projected to slow sharply to 1.9 percent according to the IMF, with oil GDP growth to decline by 2.5 percent this year; non-oil GDP growth is projected at 4.9 percent this year.“The outlook is positive - with non-oil GDP growth momentum expected to remain strong - despite an uncertain external environment,” the IMF said in its Article IV country report, adding risks to the outlook were balanced.

Government-led reforms and the growth of private investment in new sectors has supported non-oil economic growth in Saudi Arabia, a key element of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic transformation plan overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online