Trade UAE foreign trade surges but surplus falls By Pramod Kumar April 21, 2025, 8:37 AM WAM The UAE achieved a trade balance surplus of AED492 billion in 2024, down slightly from AED573.1 billion in 2023 The UAE’s foreign trade surged by nearly half between 2021 and 2024, but the trade surplus softened last year amid global challenges. Foreign trade rose to AED5.2 trillion ($1.4 trillion) in 2024, up nearly half from 2021, state-run WAM news agency reported, citing a World Trade Organisation paper. The UAE, a major re-exporter, is among the top 20 global trade centres for goods and services. UAE trade The UAE’s top 10 trade partners The UAE achieved a trade balance surplus of AED492 billion in 2024, down slightly from AED573 billion in 2023. Exports reached AED3 trillion against imports of AED2 trillion as per 2021-2024 statistics. Merchandise exports were AED2 trillion and services exports AED647 billion, including AED191 billion in digital services, according to Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, minister of state for foreign trade. The UAE accounted for 41 percent of the Middle East’s $1.5 trillion merchandise exports, with regional exports growing by 4 percent and services by 4 percent in 2024. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
