GCC: Wheelchair Market 2024

Wheelchair Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in shipments abroad of wheelchairs, when their volume increased by 77% to X units. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 147%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X units. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, wheelchair exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a deep slump. The level of export peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the major exporter of wheelchairs in GCC, with the volume of exports recording X units, which was approx. 79% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Bahrain (X units), comprising a 14% share of total exports. Oman (X units) and Saudi Arabia (X units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to wheelchair exports from the United Arab Emirates stood at -3.6%. At the same time, Oman (+34.1%) and Bahrain (+15.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Oman emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +34.1% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Saudi Arabia (-6.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Bahrain (+11 p.p.) and Oman (+3.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of the United Arab Emirates (-7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the largest wheelchair supplier in GCC, comprising 93% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Oman ($X), with a 2.5% share of total exports. It was followed by Bahrain, with a 2.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the United Arab Emirates amounted to -5.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Oman (+52.4% per year) and Bahrain (+13.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per unit, growing by 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a perceptible curtailment. The level of export peaked at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Oman (+13.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Wheelchair Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, approx. X units of wheelchairs were imported in GCC; waning by -28.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a perceptible reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X units in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, wheelchair imports reached $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 33% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Saudi Arabia (X units) represented the main importer of wheelchairs, constituting 68% of total imports. The United Arab Emirates (X units) took a 17% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Kuwait (11%). Bahrain (X units) took a relatively small share of total imports.

Imports into Saudi Arabia decreased at an average annual rate of -3.8% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Kuwait (+5.4%), Bahrain (+3.5%) and the United Arab Emirates (+2.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Kuwait emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in GCC, with a CAGR of +5.4% from 2012-2021. The United Arab Emirates (+6.1 p.p.) and Kuwait (+5.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Saudi Arabia saw its share reduced by -11.8% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the largest wheelchair importing markets in GCC were Saudi Arabia ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Kuwait ($X), with a combined 93% share of total imports.

Kuwait, with a CAGR of +7.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries 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 unit in 2021, increasing by 52% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.3%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per unit), while Saudi Arabia ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+1.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform