Abu Dhabi (Etihad)
The total value of the non-oil foreign trade of the United Arab Emirates in 2021 amounted to about 1.9 trillion dirhams, a growth of 27% compared to 2020, and an increase of 11% compared to 2019, as the growth included all components of trade, including export, import and re-export. Non-oil foreign trade at the local level of all emirates increased in varying proportions, which reflects the comprehensive growth achieved by the country’s trade.
The value of national non-oil exports amounted to about 354 billion dirhams, setting a new record, exceeding 300 billion dirhams for the first time in its history, achieving a growth of 33.3% compared to 2020 and 47.3% compared to 2019.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, affirmed that the performance of the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade proves once again that the UAE, thanks to the support and directives of its wise leadership, is the most vital and active center for trade and business at the level of the region and among the most important vital trade axes and corridors on the trade map He added that the comprehensive growth achieved by the country’s trade in all its components comes as a result of the forward-looking vision of the rational leadership in the country and proactive government policies to enhance the country’s commercial attractiveness and diversify and expand its trade partnerships with global markets. His Excellency added: “The UAE’s foreign trade has by far passed the stage of recovery from the repercussions of the (Covid-19) pandemic on global trade, and today has entered an advanced stage of growth and prosperity, with more than 11% growth from the pre-pandemic stage, and the comprehensiveness of the positive results. The import, export and re-export activities in all emirates of the country reflect a systematic and integrated growth based on flexible and highly efficient trade policies and sustainable development components.”
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, stressed that the non-oil foreign trade data that was recorded for the year 2021 is a real achievement and a new honorable station for this vital sector, which is a major driver of the growth of the national economy and is one of the pillars of its prestigious reputation. The UAE is on the map of economy and trade regionally and globally. His Excellency added: “Thanks to the support of the wise leadership, the past two years have witnessed good growth rates in trade activities, which are taking a more positive trend today, reflecting the increasing growth in the foreign trade movement of the country in general and in the promotion of non-oil national exports in particular, which is still continuing its developmental leaps to record today. A record number and high growth rates compared to 2020 and 2019.”
His Excellency added: “These results come in light of the launch of the fifty projects and the continuous efforts they are implementing by the state to upgrade its position on the international trade map and ensure an attractive, active and open commercial environment to the world and linked to a diverse and strong network of global supply chains, which leads to providing solid foundations To sustain the growth factors of the country’s foreign trade over the coming years. There is no doubt that these results will enhance confidence among business owners and economic and commercial activities in the country, as well as trading partners from different countries of the world, in the importance of the UAE as a capital of trade, and highlight the capabilities and opportunities that the state possesses to engage in activities and businesses.
Trade data for 2021 showed that the total value of re-exports amounted to 521.3 billion dirhams, achieving a growth of 27.7% compared to 2020 and 1.6 percent compared to 2019. While the total value of the country’s imports during 2021 amounted to about one trillion dirhams, a growth of 23.8% over the year 2020. And about 7% from 2019.
business partners
China ranked first, as the country’s largest trading partner in 2021, accounting for 11.7% of the UAE’s total foreign trade with the world, and the value of non-oil trade exchange between the two countries amounted to 212 billion dirhams, a growth of 27% from 2020 and 19.8% from 2019 In second place came India, which accounts for 8.7% of the country’s total non-oil trade with a value of 164.4 billion dirhams, then Saudi Arabia third with a contribution of 6.6% and a value of 125 billion dirhams during 2021, achieving a growth of 20% compared to 2020 and 10.1% Compared to 2019, the United States of America ranked fourth, with which trade exchange grew by 8.1% compared to 2020. Iraq ranked fifth.
With regard to the country’s export destinations, India came as the first destination, accounting for 13.8% of the country’s total exports, and received 50 billion dirhams of UAE exports, a growth of 150% from 2020 and about 100% from 2019. Saudi Arabia came as the second largest recipient of exports With a contribution of 10.7%, it received 38 billion dirhams of the country’s exports, achieving a growth of 48% compared to 2020 and by 22.4% compared to 2019.