UAE is third largest fertilizer producer in the GCC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates; September 2, 2015: At 5 million tons, the UAE's fertilizer market has grown by more than 50% in the last ten years, according to the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA).

"Despite the cyclical nature of commodity products and economic challenges, the fertilizer industry in the United Arab Emirates has seen impressive growth in the last decade," said Dr. Abdulwahab Al- Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA. "The sector's stable growth capacity, steady sales and rising employment not only makes valuable contributions to the Emirati economy, but also ticks several boxes in the country's Vision 2021 plans."

The UAE accounts for the third largest share of fertilizer production in the GCC, according to the GPCA's Fertilizers Indicators report. Fertilizers producers manufactured 5 million tons of products in 2014, up from 3.2 million tons in 2004.

Meanwhile, fertilizer capacity in the Arabian Gulf grew to 40.8 million tons in 2014, a 3.8% increase from the previous year, earning revenues of US$6.5 billion, according to the report.

An export- oriented industry, the UAE's fertilizer industry also earned sizable revenues in 2014.

"As more than half of fertilizers produced in the UAE is exported to diverse markets around the world, manufacturers of this commodity also earned US$653 million in revenues," continued Dr. Al- Sadoun.

Looking ahead, the GCC's fertilizer manufacturers can look into diversifying their product portfolio to include specialty fertilizers, advises the GPCA. To date, only 396,000 tons of speciality fertilizers are currently produced in the GCC, notably from UAE- based companies like ADFERT and RNZ Group.

"Specialty fertilizers have unique qualities that define them against urea have innovative characteristics that yield a higher return in the global marketplace and therefore result in greater returns for the producer and the good news is that the UAE has already demonstrated that it can manufacture this valuable product."

The topic of innovation will be a key focus at the upcoming GPCA Fertilizer Convention. Held of the theme of "Innovating for growth: Ensuring an efficient, sustainable future", the conference will shed light on how the GCC's fertilizer industry can contribute to global food security while embracing an environmentally sustainable future.

The Fertilizer Indicators report will be released at the GPCA Fertilizer Convention. Now in its 6th edition, the conference will be held in Dubai from September 14- 16.

For more information, please visit http://gpcafertilizers.com/2015/

About the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) represents the downstream hydrocarbon industry in the Arabian Gulf. Established in 2006, the association voices the common interests of more than 240 member companies from the chemical and allied industries, accounting for over 95% of chemical output in the Gulf region. The industry makes up the second largest manufacturing sector in the region, producing up to US$102.6billion worth of products a year.

The association supports the region's petrochemical and chemical industry through advocacy, networking and thought leadership initiatives that help member companies to connect, to share and advance knowledge, to contribute to international dialogue, and to become prime influencers in shaping the future of the global petrochemicals industry.

Committed to providing a regional platform for stakeholders from across the industry, the GPCA manages six working committees - Plastics, Supply Chain, Fertilizers, International Trade, Research and Innovation, and Responsible Care - and organizes six world-class events each year. The association also publishes an annual report, regular newsletters and reports.

For more information, please visit www.gpca.org.ae

© Press Release 2015