Middle East: Cotton Bag Market 2025

Cotton Bag Market Size in the Middle East

In 2021, the Middle Eastern cotton bag market decreased by -13.6% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, consumption, however, saw a prominent increase. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Cotton Bag Production in the Middle East

In value terms, cotton bag production expanded to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, continues to indicate a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 152% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Cotton Bag Exports

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, shipments abroad of sacks and bags of cotton increased by 74% to X tons, rising for the third year in a row after three years of decline. Over the period under review, exports posted a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 150% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cotton bag exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a prominent expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 86% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Turkey prevails in exports structure, resulting at X tons, which was approx. 78% of total exports in 2021. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 9.8% share, followed by Syrian Arab Republic (8.6%). Israel (X tons) held a minor share of total exports.

Exports from Turkey increased at an average annual rate of +12.2% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Israel (+18.5%) and the United Arab Emirates (+5.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Israel emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the Middle East, with a CAGR of +18.5% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Syrian Arab Republic (-9.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Turkey (+28 p.p.) and Israel (+2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Syrian Arab Republic saw its share reduced by -28.6% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) remains the largest cotton bag supplier in the Middle East, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with an 8.8% share of total exports. It was followed by Israel, with a 2.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Turkey amounted to +7.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (+10.6% per year) and Israel (+15.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, waning by -1.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the export price increased by 30%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 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 Israel ($X per ton), while Syrian Arab Republic ($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 (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Cotton Bag Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, overseas purchases of sacks and bags of cotton decreased by -18.5% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports recorded a sharp downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 21% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cotton bag imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates represented the main importing country with an import of around X tons, which accounted for 37% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Kuwait (X tons), Oman (X tons), Israel (X tons) and Syrian Arab Republic (X tons), together comprising a 54% share of total imports. Turkey (X tons) and Iraq (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Israel (with a CAGR of +15.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sacks and bags of cotton in the Middle East, comprising 49% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kuwait ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Israel, with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the United Arab Emirates totaled -10.4%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Kuwait (+3.4% per year) and Israel (+14.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 61% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price enjoyed a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the import price increased by 74%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

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 Turkey ($X per ton), while Syrian Arab Republic ($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 (+21.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :