Imports of writing paper in the UAE nearly doubled to Dh1 billion ($272.2 million) in 2011, compared to Dh446 million in 2007, said recent statistics.

The figures represent more than a tenth of the total paper imports, making writing paper the most popular imported paper item in the country, said the UN Comtrade statistics.

The strongest growth in import of paper into the UAE was seen in wallpaper and toilet paper which grew at 36 per cent and 29 per cent, it said.

This was revealed on the first day of Paper Arabia 2013, which began yesterday at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Coated paper constitutes 8 per cent of paper imports in the UAE, while other categories account for the remaining 80 per cent, it said. Like elsewhere in the world, import of newsprint is on the decline giving way to digitisation.

Satish Khanna, general manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, organisers of the show, said: "We are witnessing very promising growth figures in the industry as the UAE is not only importing but also re-exporting to various destinations worldwide. Growth was seen in packaging containers, paper boards, carbon paper, cigarette paper and wallpaper."

Paper Arabia 2013 will continue until September 26, with more than 130 exhibitors from 22 countries, highlighting key regional industry segments. - TradeArabia News Service