Imports of packaging machinery grow in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates dominate the market, but the entire Gulf area deserves attention. All eyes are on Gulfood (Dubai, 4-6 November), a global hub for food processing and packaging technologies
Luca Baraldi e Generoso Verrusio
The packaging machinery market in the Middle East is growing at a remarkable, though not entirely expected, pace. In 2024, the strategic importance of this geographical area is reflected in imports valued at €1.3 billion, representing a 25.4% increase in the industry compared to 2023.
Two factors are driving this surge: the expansion of industries such as food & beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, which are investing heavily in smart packaging lines and digital traceability solutions; and a possible - though still unconfirmed - triangular trade route with Russia, potentially involving the UAE, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, thereby amplifying economic flows throughout the entire region.
Following previous reports on the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Mercosur, and with Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 approaching (Dubai, 4-6 November), the leading trade fair for packaging technologies, ItaliaImballaggio, in collaboration with MECS, UCIMA’s research office, has now turned its spotlight on the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates take the lead
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates together account for nearly half of the region’s total imports. In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported packaging machinery worth €381 million, marking a 44.2% increase over the previous year. The UAE followed with €266 million, up 24.5%. Trailing these two heavyweights are Israel and Iran, with imports of €147 million (a slight decrease of 0.8%) and €124 million (a sharp increase of 76.7%), respectively.
Despite the recovery, Iran remains well below its pre-sanction levels, when imports exceeded €200 million. Also worth noting is the rise of emerging markets such as Georgia (+115%), Armenia (+74.8%) and Jordan (+46.3%), reflecting a growing and increasingly diversified demand.
Germany and Italy lead the way among suppliers
The growth of the Middle Eastern market has been accompanied by the strengthening of its traditional suppliers. In 2024, Germany confirmed its leadership as the top exporter of packaging technologies, reaching €362.6 million, a 59.5% increase compared to 2023. Italy retained its strong position with €331.4 million (+12.5%), followed by China with €203.2 million (+32.8%).
Over the past decade, Germany has recorded an average annual export growth rate (CAGR) of +3.3%, while Italy has grown at a slower pace (+0.8%). China, by contrast, has surged ahead with +9.4%, consolidating its role as the fiercest competitor. Turkey and India rank fourth and fifth, respectively.
Growth prospects for the region according to MECS
According to MECS’ CUBO forecasting model, the Middle East is set to remain one of the most promising markets for packaging. Between 2024 and 2028, Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at an average annual rate of +5.2%, while the UAE is projected to have a CAGR of +3.5%. Israel also shows a positive trend, with an estimated average annual increase of 1.9%. These significant figures are indicative of a market that, despite geopolitical tensions and complex trade dynamics, continues to offer significant business opportunities for Italian packaging machinery and technology manufacturers.
In this context, Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 will be a crucial event for Italian companies, offering the chance to strengthen their presence in an area that is increasingly establishing itself as a global hub for food processing and packaging technologies.
