GCC: Wrapping Papers Market 2025

Wrapping Papers Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of wrapping paper, packaging paper and paperboard exported in GCC totaled X tons, rising by 9.8% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 37% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, wrapping papers exports soared to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +110.6% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 47%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Saudi Arabia was the largest exporter of wrapping paper, packaging paper and paperboard in GCC, with the volume of exports reaching X tons, which was near 77% of total exports in 2021. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 17% share, followed by Bahrain (4.5%).

Saudi Arabia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of wrapping paper, packaging paper and paperboard. At the same time, Bahrain (+41.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Bahrain emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +41.8% from 2012-2021. The United Arab Emirates experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Bahrain (+4.3 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X) remains the largest wrapping papers supplier in GCC, comprising 81% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 14% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Saudi Arabia amounted to +7.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (-0.7% per year) and Bahrain (+36.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, surging by 30% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +5.0%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+6.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Wrapping Papers Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of wrapping paper, packaging paper and paperboard imported in GCC reduced to X tons, with a decrease of -5.4% against the previous year's figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 20%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, wrapping papers imports expanded rapidly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 23% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Saudi Arabia (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) were the main importers of wrapping paper, packaging paper and paperboard in 2021, accounting for approx. 40% and 38% of total imports, respectively. Kuwait (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by Oman (X tons). All these countries together took near 19% share of total imports. The following importers - Qatar (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons) - each amounted to a 3.6% share 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 Qatar (with a CAGR of +17.1%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Kuwait ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together comprising 88% of total imports. Oman, Qatar and Bahrain lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 12%.

Qatar, with a CAGR of +17.7%, recorded 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

In 2021, the import price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 13% 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 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Qatar ($X per ton) and Bahrain ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) and Oman ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kuwait (+2.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform