The Middle East market for uncoated wood-free printing and writing paper is expected to see steady growth over the next decade. Market forecasts project a CAGR of +1.3% in volume and +2.8% in value from 2024 to 2035, driven by rising demand across the region.
Market Outlook
By 2035, market volume is expected to reach 1.7 million tons, up from 1.5 million tons in 2024. In value terms, the market is forecast to climb to $2.4 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2024 (nominal wholesale prices). While consumption has fluctuated since peaking at 1.9 million tons in 2014, projections indicate a return to gradual growth.
Consumption Trends
Turkey dominates regional consumption, accounting for 44% of total volume (672K tons) in 2024, followed by the UAE (204K tons) and Iran (183K tons).
In value terms, Turkey leads with $827M, while the UAE ($235M) and Iran trail behind.
Per capita consumption is highest in the UAE (20 kg), followed by Turkey (7.8 kg).
Iraq recorded the strongest growth in per capita consumption, with a CAGR of +10%.
Imports
In 2024, imports of uncoated wood-free printing and writing papers fell by -4.2% to 1.2M tons, though value slightly increased to $1.4B.
Turkey (398K tons) and the UAE (283K tons) together accounted for nearly 60% of imports.
Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia made up the remainder, with Iraq showing the fastest growth (CAGR +15% in volume and +14.6% in value).
Graphic paper (under 10% mechanical fibre, 40–150 g/m² in rolls) is the leading import type, representing 52% of total imports and showing the strongest growth trend.
Key Insight
Although overall growth is measured, rising demand for printing and writing paper in Turkey, the UAE, and Iraq will help sustain the market. Shifts in import patterns and product preferences highlight increasing reliance on higher-quality and specialized paper types.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
