Trade partners of the UAE

Trade partners of the UAE - Makebiz

The United Arab Emirates is rightfully considered a significant trade and economic hub due to its location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. Modern infrastructure and active investment flow contribute to the development of international trade relations. The UAE’s reliable partners underpin its success in this industry.

Region has had strong economic ties with China since the 1980s. The turnover of oil imports is growing every year, as well as exports of electronics and spare parts for cars. At the moment it is China that can be called the main partner, thanks to its 11.7% share of the UAE’s total foreign trade. To support this pace, the countries are planning to discuss the possibility of reducing customs duties and further improving transportation hubs. Among other things, the Emirates actively supports one of China’s initiatives, which is to expand the space for trade and find universal models for countries to cooperate and ensure closer ties.

The next significant partner is the United States. The trade turnover has been going on since 1971. Among import-export goods, the most common are diamonds, oil and gas minerals, electronic devices and equipment. Thus, the trade turnover for 2024 exceeded 40 billion dollars.

It is also worth noting the impressive volume of investment flows to the Emirates from the US. For example, in 2023, the result of 30.68 billion dollars was published. Active investment can be seen in the sectors of trade and industrial production. 

The oil boom contributed to building trade relations with India. Several trade treaties have been signed over the decades. From more general free trade agreements with Gulf countries to the declaration of an economic partnership specifically between the UAE and India. Following these developments, the share of oil trade between the countries has increased significantly. By 2027, the total trade turnover is expected to reach $100 billion. 

As we can see, the UAE does not fix its gaze only on Western countries, trying to expand the network of cooperation with different regions. Russia is among them. Trade volumes began to grow steadily, starting from 2017. At the end of 2023, it was already more than 11 billion dollars. For Russia, it is a major partner among the countries of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. The main import and export categories for the countries are petroleum products, automobiles, luxury goods, machinery and agricultural products. 

The UAE’s financial goals require increasing the number of partners, investment flows and strengthening international trade and economic ties. All this will allow the region to become one of the global financial centers and increase the volume of the national economy. Therefore, the Emirates is one of the most promising destinations for trade and business activities and investments. 

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