GCC: Nonwoven Fabric Market 2025

Nonwoven Fabric Market Size in GCC

The GCC nonwoven fabric market stood at $X in 2022, picking up by 2.7% against the previous year. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a strong increase. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Nonwoven Fabric Production in GCC

In value terms, nonwoven fabric production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production enjoyed a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the production volume increased by 50%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Nonwoven Fabric Exports

Exports in GCC

Nonwoven fabric exports amounted to X tons in 2022, flattening at 2021. Overall, exports enjoyed a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 132% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, nonwoven fabric exports contracted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a prominent increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 117%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Saudi Arabia prevails in exports structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 96% of total exports in 2022. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to nonwoven fabric exports from Saudi Arabia stood at +7.6%. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+12.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +12.4% from 2012-2022. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X) remains the largest nonwoven fabric supplier in GCC, comprising 95% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 4.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Saudi Arabia stood at +5.5%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2022, which is down by -6.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a mild decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 12% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, 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 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (-0.5%).

Nonwoven Fabric Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2022, imports of nonwoven fabrics in GCC declined to X tons, shrinking by -4.8% compared with 2021 figures. Total imports indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 20%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In value terms, nonwoven fabric imports totaled $X in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 9.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia was the major importer of nonwoven fabrics in GCC, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was near 51% of total imports in 2022. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) held a 24% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Qatar (18%). Bahrain (X tons), Kuwait (X tons) and Oman (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to nonwoven fabric imports into Saudi Arabia stood at +2.3%. At the same time, Qatar (+33.3%), Oman (+10.9%), Bahrain (+5.4%) and the United Arab Emirates (+4.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Qatar emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in GCC, with a CAGR of +33.3% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Kuwait (-3.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Qatar (+16 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia saw its share reduced by -3.2% and -13.9% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest nonwoven fabric importing markets in GCC were Saudi Arabia ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Qatar ($X), together comprising 92% of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, Qatar, with a CAGR of +29.6%, saw 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

In 2022, the import price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, growing by 9.8% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+4.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform