Nonwovens sector in MENA struggles with overcapacity

摘要

The nonwovens industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is still struggling with overcapacity, while declining purchasing power has hit the mid and higher-tier segments, prompting global players to reconsider product offerings. MENA economies have been impacted by low oil prices and regional instability, with growth forecast at 1.5% this year, down from 1.7% in 2018, according to investment bank JP Morgan. Unemployment across the region is estimated at 10.8% by JP Morgan. But with population growth of 1.7%, forecast by the UN to reach 413 million (including Iran) in 2019, demand for nonwoven hygiene products has remained buoyant.