Middle East: Matches Market 2025

Matches Market Size in the Middle East

After four years of growth, the Middle Eastern matches market decreased by -1.9% to $X in 2021. The total consumption indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +39.0% against 2016 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Matches Production in the Middle East

In value terms, matches production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, posted a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 73%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Matches Exports

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, overseas shipments of matches were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, exports continue to indicate slight growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 115%. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, matches exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) and Oman (X tons) represented roughly 81% of total exports in 2021. Iran (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total exports with an 11% share, followed by Turkey (7.6%).

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Oman (with a CAGR of +51.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Turkey ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Oman ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, together accounting for 95% of total exports.

Oman, with a CAGR of +33.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, approximately reflecting the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a slight decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while Oman ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+5.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Matches Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, approx. X tons of matches were imported in the Middle East; growing by 104% against the previous year's figure. Overall, imports, however, showed a mild setback. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, matches imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, saw a slight decrease. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) and Yemen (X tons) represented the major importers of matches in 2021, reaching approx. 36% and 34% of total imports, respectively. Israel (X tons) held a 10% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Oman (8.7%) and Iran (6.1%). Kuwait (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Kuwait (with a CAGR of +21.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X), Yemen ($X) and Israel ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together comprising 77% of total imports. These countries were followed by Oman, Iran and Kuwait, which together accounted for a further 19%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Kuwait, with a CAGR of +17.8%, 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 the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 14%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (+1.8%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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