GCC: Plain Postcard Market 2025

Plain Postcard Market Size in GCC

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the GCC plain postcard market, when its value decreased by -5.1% to $X. In general, consumption, however, posted prominent growth. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Plain Postcard Production in GCC

In value terms, plain postcard production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 727% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Plain Postcard Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, overseas shipments of letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 107% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, plain postcard exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, saw a perceptible downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 298%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the largest exporter of letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards in GCC, with the volume of exports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 62% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons), generating a 37% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Saudi Arabia (with a CAGR of +24.9%).

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Saudi Arabia ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +12.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, waning by -23.7% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the export price increased by 98% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Saudi Arabia totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+14.4%).

Plain Postcard Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards imported in GCC totaled X tons, growing by 14% against 2020. In general, imports, however, saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 289% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, plain postcard imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 141% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates was the major importer of letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards in GCC, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was near 60% of total imports in 2021. Oman (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 17% share, followed by Kuwait (14%) and Qatar (8.5%).

Imports into the United Arab Emirates decreased at an average annual rate of -13.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Qatar (+2.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Qatar emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in GCC, with a CAGR of +2.4% from 2012-2021. Oman experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Kuwait (-2.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The United Arab Emirates (+24 p.p.), Oman (+14 p.p.), Kuwait (+11 p.p.) and Qatar (+7.4 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards in GCC, comprising 69% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kuwait ($X), with a 13% share of total imports. It was followed by Qatar, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the United Arab Emirates amounted to -13.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kuwait (+2.3% per year) and Qatar (+0.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 64% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price enjoyed a strong expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the import price increased by 226%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while Oman ($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 (+5.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform