The burgeoning non-cellular polyethylene market in the Middle East is poised for considerable growth over the next decade. According to a new report from IndexBox, consumption of polyethylene films, sheets, foil, and strip reached 2.2 million tons and a market value of $4.4 billion in 2024. Driven by rising demand, the market is expected to grow to 2.7 million tons with a value of $8.1 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% in volume and 5.6% in value.

Key Market Insights

• The Middle East’s consumption of non-cellular polyethylene products is projected to reach 2.7 million tons and $8.1 billion by 2035.
• Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are the leading consumers and producers, accounting for 68% of consumption and 75% of production.
• Turkey is the dominant player in both importing and exporting, noted for its dynamic growth over the last decade.
• As a region, the Middle East is a net exporter with production (2.6 million tons) exceeding consumption (2.2 million tons).
• Import and export prices declined in 2024, averaging $2,660 per ton for imports and $2,031 per ton for exports.

Market Forecast

The non-cellular polyethylene market in the Middle East is forecast to continue an upward trend through 2035. Consumption is expected to fluctuate, with an anticipated CAGR of 1.7% for volume, bringing the market estimate to 2.7 million tons by the end of the forecast period. In monetary terms, the market’s value is expected to rise to $8.1 billion, representing a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2035.

Consumption Trends

In 2024, the Middle East’s consumption of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil, and strip totaled 2.2 million tons, an increase of 2.7% from 2023. The average annual growth rate for the period between 2013 and 2024 was 2.8%. 2021 saw the most significant growth, with a 6.6% increase year-on-year. However, consumption dropped from a peak of 2.4 million tons in 2022, failing to regain traction through 2024.

In terms of market value, the region experienced a decrease to $4.4 billion in 2024, representing a decline of 3.4% compared to the previous year. The total revenue reflects figures from producers and importers, though it does not include logistics costs or retailers’ margins.

Top Consuming Countries

The primary consumers of non-cellular polyethylene in 2024 included:

• Iran: 580,000 tons
• Saudi Arabia: 507,000 tons
• Turkey: 433,000 tons

Together, these countries accounted for 68% of total consumption. Turkey exhibited the highest growth rate at a CAGR of 20.3% during the observed period. In value terms, Turkey led the market with $1.1 billion, followed by Saudi Arabia at $801 million and Iran at $713 million.

Per capita consumption also varied, with Kuwait at 18 kg per person, Israel at 15 kg, and the United Arab Emirates at 14 kg in 2024. Turkey saw the most significant increases in per capita consumption, holding a CAGR of 18.9%.

Production Insights

The production of non-cellular polyethylene products in the Middle East reached 2.6 million tons in 2024, marking a 4.8% increase from 2023. Over the examination period from 2013 to 2024, the average annual growth rate for production was 3.5%. Turkey showed particularly notable growth with a CAGR of 17.3%, while production in other leading nations demonstrated slower rates.

Leading Production Countries

The leading producers in 2024 were:

• Iran: 659,000 tons
• Saudi Arabia: 654,000 tons
• Turkey: 619,000 tons

Together, these countries represented approximately 75% of the total production output in the region.

Import Dynamics

Import levels of non-cellular polyethylene products climbed sharply in 2024 to 250,000 tons, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. Despite a general upward trend from 2013 to 2024, this figure represents a 14.7% decrease compared to record highs in 2022. In terms of value, imports declined to $666 million in 2024, down 24.2% compared to 2022.

Major Importing Countries

In 2024, significant importers included:

• Turkey: 73,000 tons
• Iraq: 57,000 tons
• United Arab Emirates: 32,000 tons

Turkey dominated the market with 33% of total imports valued at $222 million, followed by the United Arab Emirates with $90 million and Iraq with a 12% share.

Import Pricing Trends

The average import price for non-cellular polyethylene in the Middle East in 2024 reached $2,660 per ton, reflecting a 17.9% decline from the previous year. Prices varied considerably by country, with Saudi Arabia reporting the highest import price at $3,362 per ton, while Iraq had the lowest at $1,455 per ton.

Price Adjustments

Over the reviewing period, prices showed a general trend downward, following a significant increase in 2022. The most notable growth in import prices was seen in Israel, where an increase of 0.6% was noted from 2013 to 2024.

Export Overview

The quantity of non-cellular polyethylene films, sheets, foil, and strip exported from the Middle East soared to 606,000 tons in 2024, an increase of 16% from the previous year. The total value of exports also saw modest growth, reaching $1.2 billion in 2024, compared to peaks in 2022.

Export Leaders

Turkey led the export market with 259,000 tons, making up approximately 43% of total regional exports. Other significant exporters included:

• Saudi Arabia: 164,000 tons
• Iran: 14%

Turkey’s share of the export market was valued at $610 million, approximately 49% of the total.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East was registered at $2,031 per ton in 2024, a 12% decrease from 2023. Export prices varied across different exporting nations, with Israel maintaining the highest price at $2,972 per ton, while Iran’s export price was notably lower at $1,141 per ton.

Overall, the non-cellular polyethylene market in the Middle East is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer demands, export potential, and production capabilities. As countries like Turkey and Iran continue to evolve as leading players, the region’s export capacity indicates a promising future for non-cellular polyethylene products.