Paper and paperboard waste market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The GCC paper and paperboard waste market volume increased from 1.3 million tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 1.6 million tonnes in 2020. This expansion was supported by official focus on recycling municipal waste, a growing paper and cardboard recycling industry, and increased paper consumption from the expanding printing sector across the region.

Following the peak, the market volume contracted to 1.3 million tonnes in 2022. The easing of pandemic-related restrictions and a strong economic recovery driven by positive developments in the hydrocarbons sector influenced demand in waste management and paper-related segments during this period.

Market volume stabilized at 1.3 million tonnes in 2023. Tight global pulp supply raised kraft-liner prices by 18%, pressuring paper manufacturers, while a 54% surge in industrial investments in Saudi Arabia boosted demand for paper and board packaging. By 2024, heightened government support for waste management, including targets to recycle 75% of waste, and corporate sustainability initiatives, such as Almarai's 21% increase in recycling rates, reinforced the shift toward a circular economy.

Production paper and paperboard waste in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

In 2019, paper and paperboard waste production in GCC saw its largest decline at 0.0%. The following year, in 2020, output reached 1 851 K t, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. The peak was recorded earlier in 2018 at 1 851 K t, with the largest increase of 0.3% occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, paper and paperboard waste production in GCC hit its lowest value at 286.0 M $ US, marking the largest decline of 15.5%. The following year, in 2020, output was valued at 291.5 M $ US, reflecting a gain of 1.9% compared to 2019. The peak occurred in 2018 at 338.3 M $ US, with the largest increase of 6.9% that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in GCC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports paper and paperboard waste from GCC

Exports in kind, K t

GCC's paper and paperboard waste exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 504 K t, down by 30.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 52.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets — India, Indonesia, and Thailand — together accounted for 67.6% of total exports in kind of paper and paperboard waste from GCC.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Paper and paperboard waste volumes leaving GCC declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 79.4 M $ US, marking a steep decrease of 29.4% compared with 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 56.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Indonesia, and China stood out as the main markets for exports in value terms, representing 58.8%, 6.9%, and 5.9% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 71.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to GCC

Imports in kind, K t

In 2017, imported paper and paperboard waste volumes in GCC dropped to a minimum, while they climbed to their maximum in 2018, resulting in a 2.9-fold shift between these years. In 2019, the largest decline of 19.0% was recorded. The following year, in 2020, imports reached 273 K t, reflecting an increase of 6.5% year-over-year. The peak in 2018 saw the largest increase of 185.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for imports in kind of paper and paperboard waste to GCC was quite broad. The United States, Jordan, and Germany were the top sources, representing 36.5%, 3.2%, and 2.4% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for only 42.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign paper and paperboard waste supplies to GCC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, the largest decline of 20.6% was recorded. The following year, in 2020, import volume totalled 38.5 M $ US, which is 4.7% less compared to 2019. The peak occurred in 2018 at 50.8 M $ US, with the largest increase of 51.5% that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, paper and paperboard waste imports to GCC involved many countries. Even the largest destinations — the United States, Germany, and Jordan — together represented only 41.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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