The plastic sacks and bags market across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has seen fluctuating consumption trends in recent years, but forecasts suggest an upward trajectory going forward. Despite a slight consumption dip in 2024, the market is set to grow significantly, potentially reaching 963,000 tons and a value of $2.7 billion by 2035, according to a new report from IndexBox.

Market Overview

In 2024, the GCC’s consumption of plastic sacks and bags stood at approximately 814,000 tons, valued at about $2 billion. This marked a minor decline of 1.1% from the previous year, breaking a streak of four consecutive years of growth. Notably, consumption peaked at 824,000 tons in 2023 but dipped modestly the following year. Saudi Arabia continues to lead the market, accounting for roughly 62% of total consumption and 63% of production within the region.

The GCC region has largely achieved self-sufficiency, with total production closely matching consumption figures—813,000 tons produced compared to 814,000 tons consumed. Moreover, trade dynamics have established significant import and export activities, with imports amounting to 68,000 tons valued at $206 million and exports at 66,000 tons worth $167 million in 2024.

Key Findings

• The market is anticipated to grow to 963,000 tons and $2.7 billion by 2035.
• Saudi Arabia remains the largest consumer with a 62% market share.
• Oman has the highest per capita consumption at 19 kg per person.
• Import and export prices dropped significantly in 2024, with decreases of 26.8% and 33.6% respectively.

Market Forecast

The plastic sacks and bags market in the GCC is expected to experience long-term growth driven by increasing demand. The market’s performance is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% from 2024 to 2035, anticipating a volume jump to 963,000 tons by the end of this period. In terms of market value, the forecast anticipates a CAGR of 2.7%, reaching $2.7 billion in nominal wholesale prices by 2035.

Consumption Patterns

For the GCC, the consumption of plastic sacks and bags exhibited robust growth despite the recent decline. In 2024, the estimated market value remained stable at $2 billion, reflecting the total revenues of producers and importers.

Consumption by Country

Saudi Arabia led the GCC in plastic bag consumption, utilizing 501,000 tons, which is about 62% of total consumption within the region. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) followed at 115,000 tons, while Oman consumed approximately 104,000 tons, achieving a 13% market share. Over the last decade, Saudi Arabia’s consumption has grown at an average annual rate of 7.5%, while Oman has seen a significant increase at 12.0% annually.

In terms of value, the market remained dominated by Saudi Arabia with $1.2 billion, followed by Oman at $297 million and the UAE.

The per capita consumption rates further highlight regional disparities: Oman leads with 19 kg per person, followed by Bahrain at 17 kg and Saudi Arabia at 14 kg. Oman has shown remarkable consumption growth since 2013, with an annual growth rate of 8.2%.

Production Insights

GCC production of plastic sacks and bags mirrored consumption patterns, reaching 813,000 tons in 2024, a figure slightly lower than the peak production of 817,000 tons in 2022. The total value of this production was approximately $2 billion, aligning with export prices. Since 2017, production has exhibited solid growth, with Saudi Arabia again leading the way, producing 508,000 tons.

Production by Country

Saudi Arabia holds the largest share of production in the GCC, contributing 63% of the total, while the UAE and Oman contribute 110,000 tons and 105,000 tons, respectively. The annual growth rate for Saudi Arabia’s production is noted at 7.8%, with Oman experiencing an impressive 11.5% growth.

Import and Export Dynamics

Imports

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are the primary importers of plastic sacks and bags, with respective imports of 29,000 tons and 27,000 tons, amounting to 84% of total imports. While imports were rising again in 2024 after two years of decline, their value saw a significant drop to $206 million, reflecting a decrease of 25.8% from 2022.

Import figures since 2013 display significant fluctuation, with the most notable growth registered in 2014 at a 35% increase. The biggest growth in terms of value was recorded in Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of 10.9% over the last eleven years.

Exports

Exports of plastic sacks and bags experienced a revival in 2024, rising 44% to reach 66,000 tons. This halt in a two-year declining trend is significant given the 94% increase seen in 2021, where exports peaked at 116,000 tons. However, the total export value saw a decrease to $167 million, highlighting fluctuations over the years.

The majority of exports emanated from Saudi Arabia (34,000 tons) and the UAE (25,000 tons), with their combined figures representing 89% of total exports. This underscores the continued dominance of these two countries in the plastic bags market.

Import and Export Prices

Prices for imports dropped in 2024, amounting to $3,038 per ton, which represents a significant drop of 26.8% against the previous year. Variations existed among different products, with plastics commanding the highest prices at $3,218 per ton.

Conversely, export prices stood at $2,535 per ton in 2024, reflecting a decrease of 33.6% compared to 2023. The growth rate was positive in the preceding years but saw a sharp fall as the market adjusted.

In summary, while the GCC plastic sacks and bags market faces challenges, including price volatility and shifts in consumption, it remains poised for growth, with Saudi Arabia and Oman playing pivotal roles in shaping its future.

VN Plastic Co., Ltd is one of Vietnam’s leading manufacturers of plastic packaging products. We specialize in producing high-quality supermarket bags (T-shirt bags), roll bags, household trash bags, food-grade packaging, and stretch film for pallet wrapping — all serving the retail, consumer, foodservice, and logistics sectors. With a strong commitment to sustainable development and long-term partnerships, VN Plastic continuously invests in advanced technologies and optimizes our operations to meet the growing demands of global markets.