The coated printing and writing paper market in the Middle East is expected to witness modest growth over the next decade, driven by increasing demand across the region. Market volume is projected to reach 1 million tons by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% from 2024 to 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to rise at a CAGR of 2.5%, reaching $1 billion (nominal wholesale prices) by 2035.
Consumption Trends
In 2024, regional consumption rose to 857,000 tons, a 16% increase from the previous year. Despite the rebound, consumption remains below the 2013 peak of 1.4 million tons, reflecting a long-term contraction over the last decade.
Market revenue increased by 3.4%, reaching $797 million in 2024.
Top Consumers
The largest consumers in 2024 were:
United Arab Emirates – 237K tons
Turkey – 213K tons
Saudi Arabia – 155K tons
Together, these three countries accounted for 71% of total regional consumption.
Notably, Iraq recorded the highest growth in consumption, with a CAGR of 16.3% between 2013 and 2024.
In per capita terms:
UAE led with 23 kg/person, followed by
Israel (4.3 kg),
Saudi Arabia (4.2 kg),
Jordan (3.3 kg),
compared to a global average of 2.3 kg.Import Overview
In 2024, the region imported 896,000 tons of coated paper—a 22% increase from the previous year. However, imports remain below the 2013 high of 1.4 million tons.
Import value in 2024 rose slightly to $833 million.
Top importers:
UAE – $226M
Turkey – $207M
Saudi Arabia – $148M
Together, they accounted for 70% of total imports. Iraq recorded the fastest growth in import value, with a CAGR of 14.5%.
By product type, the top imported categories made up 88% of total import volume and included:
Coated sheets (290K tons)
Rolls with >10% mechanically processed fibers (285K tons)
Rolls with ≤10% mechanically processed fibers (213K tons)
Exports Rebound in 2024
After two years of decline, exports surged 198% in 2024 to 65,000 tons. Export value climbed to $55 million, though still below the 2019 peak of $77 million.
Top exporters in 2024:
United Arab Emirates – 70% of volume (45K tons)
Turkey – 5.7K tons
Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait followed
The UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia dominated export value, with 91% share.
Iran posted the fastest growth in export volume and value, with a CAGR of 31.3% and 12.6%, respectively.
This modest yet steady growth reflects ongoing shifts in demand, regional production capacity, and trade dynamics, with the UAE maintaining a leading position in both consumption and export.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
