Exhibit 99.1

NEWS RELEASE

                                                           For Immediate Release

For Further Information Contact:

       Stephen M. Merrick                              Timothy Dilsaver
       Executive Vice President                        Investor Relations
       (847) 382-1000                                  (847) 382-1000

                 CTI INDUSTRIES CORPORATION COMPLETES FINANCING

BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS, December 30, 2003 -- CTI Industries Corporation (NASDAQ
Small Cap-CTIB), an international manufacturer and marketer of foil and latex
balloons and specialty, laminated and printed films, today announced that it has
completed a senior loan facility with Cole Taylor Bank, Chicago, Illinois. Under
an agreement concluded on December 30, 2003, Cole Taylor has agreed to provide
to the Company term and revolving loans in the aggregate maximum amount of $11
million, secured by equipment, inventory, receivables and other assets of the
Company. The line includes a term loan of $3.5 million based on the appraised
value of equipment of the Company and a revolving line of credit, up to a
maximum amount of $7.5 million, based on advances of up to 85% of eligible
receivables and up to 50% of the value of the Company's inventory. The term of
the facility is for a period of two years and then is automatically extended on
a year to year basis unless terminated by either party at the expiration of the
initial or any extended term.

Approximately $6,960,000 in proceeds from these loans has been utilized to pay
off outstanding loans due to the Company's prior senior lender.

Stephen M. Merrick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, said, "We are very pleased to begin our relationship with Cole Taylor
Bank. This financing will provide liquidity and significant new financial
resources to support our operations over the next several years. We look forward
to a long and rewarding relationship with Cole Taylor."

CTI Industries Corporation, based in suburban Chicago, manufactures and
distributes foil balloons and latex balloons throughout the United States and in
over 30 other countries, and manufactures printed, specialty and laminated films
for packaging, consumer and commercial uses. CTI's common stock is traded on the
NASDAQ Small Cap Market under the symbol CTIB.


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This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 17A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act. Actual results could differ materially from those projected or implied in
the forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and
uncertainties, including (i) the risks of generating and maintaining sales in a
highly competitive market, (ii) the ability of the Company to enter into or
maintain contracts or relationships with customers, distributors, licensors and
suppliers, (iii) manufacturing risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties
reported by the Company in its SEC filings, and such statements should also be
considered in conjunction with cautionary statements contained in the Company's
most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K. CTI
Industries Corporation, based in suburban Chicago, manufactures and distributes
foil balloons and latex balloons throughout the United States and in over 30
other countries, and manufactures printed, specialty and laminated films for
packaging, consumer and commercial uses. CTI's common stock is traded on the
NASDAQ Small Cap Market under the symbol CTIB.


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