The import of paper photographic plate and film to the UAE has exhibited noticeable fluctuations over the past decade. Values peaked in 2017 at 53.49 million USD, but since then, the trend has been generally downward, with minor recoveries. The import figure stood at 49.681 million USD in 2023, marking a 0.83% increase compared to 2022. The YoY growth for 2022 was relatively stable at 0.85%, while the 5-year CAGR through 2023 was 0.29%, indicating an overall stable market with slight growth tendencies.
Looking forward into the forecast period (2024-2028), there is an expected modest growth rate with a 5-year CAGR of 0.66%, translating to an overall growth rate of 3.36%. Future trends to watch include technological advancements in digital imaging, which may affect demand for traditional photographic film, and potential changes in trade policies that could impact import volumes.