GCC: Composite Paperboard Market 2025

Composite Paperboard Market Size in GCC

In 2021, the GCC composite paperboard market decreased by -1.9% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption, however, showed prominent growth. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Composite Paperboard Production in GCC

In value terms, composite paperboard production rose rapidly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 99% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Composite Paperboard Exports

Exports in GCC

After two years of decline, overseas shipments of composite paper and paperboard increased by 69% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports showed a prominent expansion. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, composite paperboard exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed buoyant growth. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Saudi Arabia represented the key exporter of composite paper and paperboard in GCC, with the volume of exports reaching X tons, which was near 81% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons), constituting a 16% share of total exports. Kuwait (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Saudi Arabia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the composite paper and paperboard exports, with a CAGR of +75.6% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+16.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Kuwait (-29.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Saudi Arabia (+80 p.p.) and the United Arab Emirates (+7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Kuwait saw its share reduced by -83.9% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X) emerged as the largest composite paperboard supplier in GCC, comprising 71% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 27% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Saudi Arabia stood at +71.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (+13.0% per year) and Kuwait (-25.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 9.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 29% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Kuwait ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+5.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Composite Paperboard Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, overseas purchases of composite paper and paperboard decreased by -1.1% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Total imports indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -19.9% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 34% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, composite paperboard imports rose markedly to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 37%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) were the main importers of composite paper and paperboard in 2021, amounting to near 40% and 29% of total imports, respectively. Kuwait (X tons) took a 17% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Oman (6.9%). The following importers - Qatar (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons) - together made up 7.4% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Bahrain (with a CAGR of +20.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X), Kuwait ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 84% share of total imports. Oman, Qatar and Bahrain lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 16%.

Among the main importing countries, Bahrain, with a CAGR of +18.2%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the import price increased by 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Kuwait ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (-1.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform