The Middle East is set for a major expansion in polypropylene (PP) production, with the region projected to add 8.56 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of new capacity through 22 projects by 2030, according to data from Petrochemical Analytics, GlobalData Oil and Gas.
This substantial increase reinforces the Middle East’s position as a major player in global polypropylene supply, underpinned by its abundant and affordable natural gas feedstock.
The combination of low-cost inputs and surging regional demand from fast-growing industries — such as construction, packaging, and automotive — has enabled the Middle East to accelerate investment in petrochemical infrastructure.
By 2030, the region is expected to become the second-largest contributor to new global polypropylene capacity, following Asia.
Out of the 22 upcoming projects, Iran accounts for 16 developments, representing roughly two-thirds of the additional capacity.
The country is forecast to add 5.63 mtpa of new polypropylene production between 2025 and 2030, highlighting its renewed focus on enhancing domestic polymer output to support downstream manufacturing capabilities.
Within Iran, Bushehr province is emerging as a major hub for polypropylene expansion.
Two key facilities underpinning this growth are the Jam Polypropylene Company Assaluyeh polypropylene plant 2 and the Pars Petrochemical Company Assaluyeh polypropylene plant 2.
The Jam project, with a capacity of 0.60 mtpa, is expected to commence operations in 2028, while Pars Petrochemical’s 0.5 mtpa unit is slated to start up in 2026.
Both plants are situated in Assaluyeh, near the South Pars gas field, leveraging proximity to feedstock production and export terminals.
Beyond Iran, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia will also play notable roles in the region’s polypropylene buildout.
Türkiye’s largest upcoming project is Sasa Polyester Sanayi Yumurtalik polypropylene plant 1, located in Adana province.
Scheduled to start operations in 2029, the facility has a nameplate capacity of 1 mtpa and will be fully owned and operated by Sasa Polyester Sanayi AS.
The plant marks one of Türkiye’s most significant polymer investments to date, aligning with national efforts to reduce import reliance and expand high-value petrochemical output.
In Saudi Arabia, Alujain National Industrial Company is advancing its Yanbu polypropylene plant, expected to bring an additional 0.6 mtpa online by 2029.
The project forms part of the Kingdom’s broader industrial diversification drive under Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen downstream petrochemical manufacturing and value-added exports.
Another notable development in Türkiye, the BY Polimer Sanayi ve Ticaret Erzin polypropylene plant 2, will contribute 0.45 mtpa of capacity when it begins operations in 2030.
According to GlobalData’s analysis, these combined expansions reflect the region’s strategic intent to secure a stronger position in the global petrochemical value chain.
The Middle East’s geographic location, established energy infrastructure, and competitive gas-based feedstock continue to attract both national and private sector investors.
Further insights into global polypropylene capacity trends, capital expenditure outlooks, and project-level analysis are available in GlobalData’s latest report, Polypropylene Industry Capacity and Capital Expenditure Forecasts with Details of Active and Planned Plants to 2030.