Non wood fibre pulp market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-wood fibre pulp in the MENA region experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Total market volume peaked at 745.8 thousand tons in 2020 before contracting to 564.0 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic production remained relatively stable, hovering near 200 thousand tons per year throughout the period.

Trade flows showed significant variation, with import volumes oscillating between a high of 576.4 thousand tons in 2022 and a low of 444.4 thousand tons in 2023. Exports from the region began a steady rise from 2020 onward, reaching 78.4 thousand tons in 2023, indicating growing external demand for MENA's output.

Looking ahead, global industry trends are shaping the market's evolution, including a growing emphasis on sustainable pulp manufacturing using agricultural residues and alternative fibres. This shift, driven by heightened environmental awareness and demand for certified packaging, is influencing product development and consumer preferences within the region.

Production non wood fibre pulp in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

World map of production of non wood fibre pulp, 2017-2020

Non-wood fibre pulp production in the MENA region declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 198.0 K t, marking a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.0%. The most significant change occurred in 2018, with a minimal increase of 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports non wood fibre pulp from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed notable fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 7.1-fold difference between the low in 2020 and the high in 2018. In 2020, MENA exported 2.4 K t of non-wood fibre pulp, a sharp drop of 77.1% compared to the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 16.8 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 111.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MENA in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of non-wood fibre pulp from MENA were China, accounting for 32.6% of exports in kind, India at 6.8%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, at 4.5%. Together, these three markets made up 44.0% of total exports in kind, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from MENA in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Export volumes in value terms hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.8 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of non-wood fibre pulp from MENA amounted to 4.8 M $ US, representing a dramatic decline of 32.8% from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 13.2 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 46.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 128.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MENA in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, China was the leading destination for non-wood fibre pulp exports from MENA in value terms, with a 44.3% share, followed by India at 10.9% and Asia, not elsewhere specified, at 6.2%. Combined, these three accounted for 61.5% of total export flows in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from MENA in value, 2017-2020

Imports non wood fibre pulp to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, non-wood fibre pulp imports into MENA rebounded. In 2020, imports reached 550.2 K t, showing a strong increase of 20.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 4.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 457.8 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 11.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MENA in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the primary suppliers of non-wood fibre pulp to MENA were the United States, with 27.6% of imports in kind, Brazil at 22.9%, and Finland at 20.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 70.5% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to MENA in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Non-wood fibre pulp imports into MENA declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 267.1 M $ US, down by 8.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 336.2 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 13.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MENA in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over 2017–2020, the United States led as the top supplier of non-wood fibre pulp to MENA in value terms, with a 27.0% share, followed by Brazil at 23.0% and Finland at 19.2%. Their combined share reached 69.3% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to MENA in value, 2017-2020