Paper and paperboard waste market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for paper and paperboard waste in MENA expanded from 2.3 million tons in 2018 to over 3.0 million tons by 2020. This growth was initially supported by the entry of new players into the recycling sector, such as the establishment of Ceramic Materials in 2019, which increased demand for waste feedstock. The shift towards collecting a larger share of pre-consumer paper waste further boosted the available volume of recyclable material in 2020.

Following the peak, the market size contracted to 2.5 million tons by 2023. This adjustment reflected a normalization of demand after the stockpiling surge driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, underlying demand for waste paper remained supported by the robust growth of e-commerce, which increased needs for paper packaging, and significant capacity expansions in Saudi Arabia's liquid cardboard and carton production.

By 2024, the industry's evolution continued, marked by Morocco's leading role in regional corrugated paper exports and the wider adoption of waste-tracking technologies like IoT and blockchain. These developments point to an ongoing transformation towards greater industrial capability and efficiency in the waste paper value chain across the region.

Production paper and paperboard waste in MENA

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

Paper and paperboard waste production in MENA remained stable in 2020 at 3 259 thousand tonnes, unchanged from 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 239 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 3 259 thousand tonnes. Production saw its largest decline in 2018, falling by 0.4%, and its largest increase in 2019, rising by 0.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Paper and paperboard waste production in MENA declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, with output valued at 467.1 million US dollars, representing a 5.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 16.2%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 562.2 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 12.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.9%.

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

Exports paper and paperboard waste from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

Paper and paperboard waste exports from MENA declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 866 thousand tonnes, which marked a sharp drop of 25.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 48.8%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 20.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Turkey, and Thailand were the main destinations for paper and paperboard waste exports from MENA in volume terms. India accounted for 41.7% of exports, Turkey for 12.5%, and Thailand for 6.2%, together absorbing 60.4% of total export volumes.

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

Paper and paperboard waste exports from MENA declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 124.2 million US dollars, down 29.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 57.2%, corresponding to an annualized decline rate of 24.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, India, Turkey, and Thailand remained the primary markets for paper and paperboard waste exports from MENA in value terms. India accounted for 44.0% of export value, Turkey for 11.2%, and Thailand for 6.3%, collectively representing 61.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports paper and paperboard waste to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Paper and paperboard waste imports into MENA increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, with volumes reaching 646 thousand tonnes, a sharp rise of 30.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 292.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 57.8%.

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

The partner landscape for paper and paperboard waste imports into MENA in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 was diverse. The United States accounted for 35.5% of imports, Turkey for 3.7%, and Italy for 1.7%, together forming 41.0% of total flows. The remaining 59.0% was supplied by numerous other countries, indicating a broad import base.

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

Paper and paperboard waste imports into MENA increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 96.7 million US dollars, a solid rise of 10.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 89.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.7%.

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

The structure of paper and paperboard waste imports into MENA in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. The United States accounted for 29.8% of import value, Turkey for 5.5%, and Spain for 2.9%, together representing 38.3% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position, reflecting a balanced import distribution.

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

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