The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) sacks and bags market is on track for significant growth over the next decade, buoyed by increasing demand from various sectors. A fresh report by IndexBox reveals that the market is predicted to grow from 461,000 tons in 2024 to 675,000 tons by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% in volume. In terms of value, the market is expected to double from $1.6 billion to $2.8 billion, with a projected CAGR of 4.9%.
Turkey Leads the Market
Turkey continues to play a pivotal role in the MENA sacks and bags market sector, accounting for a staggering 52% of total consumption and 62% of production in the region. With per capita consumption levels standing at 2,792 kilograms per 1,000 persons, Turkey remains at the forefront of the market. The next closest competitors include Iran and Saudi Arabia, with significantly lower consumption rates.
The nation is also the leading exporter in the market, contributing approximately 56% to total exports, which reached 161,000 tons in 2024, valued at around $497 million. This dominant position underscores Turkey’s critical role in shaping the future of MENA’s sacks and bags market.
Market Growth Amidst Fluctuations
The overall performance of the MENA sacks and bags market indicates resilience, even amidst fluctuations in consumption and production. Despite a slight dip in consumption from the peak of 468,000 tons in 2022 to 461,000 tons in 2024, the market is characterized by long-term growth trends. Consumption initially surged by 3.3% in 2024, following an overall annual average increase of 5.1% from 2013 to 2024.
In value terms, the market value has grown by 2.8% to $1.6 billion in 2024, a significant recovery following the consistent rise in consumption over the years. This growth trajectory suggests strong underlying demand for sacks and bags across various sectors in the MENA region.
Consumption Patterns Across MENA
In terms of consumption by country, Turkey leads with 241,000 tons, translating to 52% of the region’s total consumption. Iran follows as the second-largest consumer with 49,000 tons, while Saudi Arabia accounts for 41,000 tons. Consumption growth has varied among these countries; Turkey shows a remarkable annual growth rate of 10.4%, while Iran and Saudi Arabia demonstrate more modest rates of 1.5% and 4.3%, respectively.
The value of the sack and bag market also indicates Turkey’s dominance, with revenues reaching $887 million, far surpassing other nations in MENA. Israel and Egypt follow, but at significantly lower values of $175 million and $166 million, respectively.
Per capita consumption figures highlight disparities among countries in the region. Turkey tops the list, followed by Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Tunisia. The world average per capita consumption is estimated at 792 kg per 1,000 persons, showcasing Turkey’s exceptional demand within the MENA landscape.
Production Insights
The total production of sacks and bags in MENA reached 535,000 tons in 2024, marked by a 5.1% increase from 2023. Turkey remains the largest producer, generating 329,000 tons—62% of the region’s total production. This is significantly higher than the output of the next largest producer, Iran, at 83,000 tons.
Notably, the production growth rates reflect Turkey’s consistent expansion at an average of 6.1% annually over the last decade. Other countries, including Iran and Egypt, show positive but slower growth rates, with Egypt experiencing a marginal decline in production.
The total production value in MENA is estimated at $1.8 billion, reflecting a broader trend of recovery following fluctuations in the production levels.
Import and Export Dynamics
Imports of sacks and bags into MENA showed signs of recovery in 2024, with total imports rising to 87,000 tons. Historically, imports had experienced a downturn since peaking at 112,000 tons in 2015, indicating a need for expanded supply in the region.
Value-wise, imports surged to $236 million in 2024, marking a slight recovery despite a previous decline in import volumes. The largest importers in terms of volume include Iraq, Israel, and Egypt, collectively making up 74% of total imports.
In terms of export dynamics, Turkey once again stands out, exporting approximately 90,000 tons—56% of total MENA exports. Other contributors include Iran and Egypt, with respective export volumes of 35,000 tons and 13,000 tons.
Pricing Trends
Import prices in MENA averaged $2,699 per ton in 2024, reflecting a slight decline of 10.1% from the previous year. Over the review period, the pricing trend has been relatively flat, with past fluctuations indicating variability across countries within the region. Morocco notably had the highest import price at $3,579 per ton, while Iraq recorded the lowest at $1,760 per ton.
The export price for sacks and bags in MENA also saw a downturn, averaging $3,080 per ton in 2024, a 10.2% drop. Lithuania’s significant value in both import and export of sacks and bags highlights the crucial economic roles these products play across the MENA region.
In summary, the MENA sacks and bags market is set for a constructive upward trajectory despite challenges, with Turkey firmly anchored as the key player driving consumption, production, and export initiatives in this essential market segment.
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.
