Little researches are made which quantify the volume of the paper market and evaluate its development in the Middle Eastern market. Yet, this market is referred to be one of the worlds’ fastest growing
markets for paper, tissue and board where strong economic growth and growing living standards have boosted the paper and board demand during the past 10 years.
In fact, the presence of a comparatively young population, the change in the consumer lifestyle and the rise of income in a very dynamic economic activity, are driving the Middle Eastern paper market the way up.
Following the speculations, this market is set to witness a moderate growth over the next 4 to 5 years.
Nevertheless, the MENA region continues to be dominated by the fall in oil prices and the rise of the geopolitical tensions where countries such Iraq or Syria hampers the paper activity and consumption patterns even if the forecast demand is to grow !
As for Lebanon, the regional faltering conflict, and the local unresolved political impasse present major downside risks to this industry and its growth.
This tricky situation is imposing on the economic growth ; the long term economic prospects are to be promising as long as political and social reforms are pursued.
At the end, with the Arab countries seeking to diversify their oil-based markets and free trade zones encouraging growth, living standards appear set to continue to increase meaning that the region is likely to remain one of the fastest growing markets for pulp and paper consumption and that for many years to come !