MENA Region Continues To Be a Key Growth Region for Printing

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continues to present one of the world’s key growth regions for printing. In 2019, the total value of the commercial print business in MENA is forecast to reach $32 billion, according to exclusive research from Smithers Pira, the worldwide authority on the packaging, print and paper supply chains. They released the data ahead of the 2019 edition of Gulf Print & Pack, the leading industry event for the commercial print and packaging industry in the region.

The MENA region presents a vast opportunity for companies in the commercial printing business, which the report estimates will grow by 6.2% by next year. This is way ahead of the growth rate for the world print market, which, at 1% is struggling to adjust to declines in demand for traditional print products as media products become increasingly digitized. The report further identified a number of strategic trends that will influence the print business in MENA in 2019. Inkjet will remain the region’s fastest growing print technology, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%. This is followed by electrophotography and gravure.

Xerox, a long-time exhibitor at Gulf Print & Pack, sees the Middle East region as one of the most strategically important markets for the company and considers the trade show to be a great platform for strengthening its customer and partner relationships as well as showcasing the brand’s latest offerings. Meanwhile, package printing is the most valuable end-use application for print in MENA, worth $20 billion in 2019. Industry stakeholders aiming to secure business projects are encouraged to attend Gulf Print & Pack 2019, scheduled to take place in April at the Dubai World Trade Centre. — SG.

Source: Saudi Gazette