The Middle East’s uncoated wood-free printing and writing paper market is poised for modest growth, driven by rising demand across the region. The market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +0.6% from 2024 to 2035, reaching a volume of 1.8 million tons by 2035. In value terms, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of +1.6%, reaching $2.3 billion (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of the forecast period.
Market Overview
In 2024, consumption of uncoated wood-free printing and writing papers in the Middle East declined by -7.8% to 1.7 million tons, marking the first drop since 2021 and ending a two-year upward trend. Despite this, consumption has remained relatively stable over the past decade, peaking at 1.9 million tons in 2019. Market revenue also saw a slight contraction, falling by -3.6% to $1.9 billion in 2024, reflecting a flat trend overall.
Consumption by Country
Turkey (683,000 tons), the United Arab Emirates (350,000 tons), and Iran (182,000 tons) were the largest consumers in 2024, accounting for 73% of total consumption. Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon followed, contributing an additional 19%. Iraq recorded the fastest growth in consumption, with a CAGR of +13.1% from 2013 to 2024, while other countries experienced more moderate growth.
In value terms, Turkey (908million) dominated the market, followed by the UAE (306 million) and Iran. Per capita consumption was highest in the UAE at 34 kg per person, significantly above the regional average of 4.6 kg.
Production Trends
Middle Eastern production of uncoated wood-free printing and writing papers reached 795,000 tons in 2024, remaining stable compared to the previous year. Over the past decade, production grew at an average annual rate of +4.2%, peaking at 798,000 tons in 2021. Turkey (314,000 tons), the UAE (297,000 tons), and Israel (141,000 tons) were the top producers, collectively accounting for 95% of regional output. The UAE saw the fastest production growth, with a CAGR of +36.7% from 2013 to 2024.
Import Dynamics
Middle Eastern imports of uncoated wood-free printing and writing papers totaled 1.3 million tons in 2024, remaining steady compared to the previous year. Turkey (408,000 tons) and the UAE (367,000 tons) were the largest importers, followed by Iran (147,000 tons) and Iraq. Iraq recorded the fastest import growth, with a CAGR of +15.2% from 2013 to 2024.
In value terms, Turkey (539million), theUAE (319 million), and Iran ($176 million) were the leading import markets, together representing 71% of total imports. Iraq also saw significant growth in import value, with a CAGR of +15.1%.
Key Imported Products
Graphic paper with mechanical fiber content under 10% and weighing 40-150 g/m² in rolls (628,000 tons) accounted for 49% of total imports in 2024. Other major imported products included uncoated paper and paperboard for printing and writing, with similar specifications. These products collectively represented 94% of import value, with graphic paper in rolls leading at $754 million.
Outlook
Despite recent fluctuations, the Middle East’s uncoated wood-free printing and writing paper market is expected to stabilize and grow modestly over the next decade, supported by steady demand and regional production efforts.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
