Page 366 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 1)

UAE foreign trade reaches Dh5.23 trillion in 2024 up

49% from 2021

Country climbed from 17th to 11th globally in merchandise exports, World Bank data shows
Published: Sun 20 Apr 2025, 4:34 PM

• By

• Somshankar Bandyopadhyay

The UAE climbed from 17th to 11th globally in merchandise exports and from 18th to 14th in
imports between 2021 and 2024

The UAE recorded total foreign of Dh5.23 trillion in 2024, a 49 per cent increase from Dh3.5 trillion
in 2021, data from the World Trade Organization showed.

According to the global lender’s World Trade Outlook and Statistics report, the UAE achieved a
trade balance surplus of Dh492.3 billion ($134 billion) in 2024, down slightly from Dh573.1 billion in
2023, reflecting stability amid global challenges.
The UAE climbed from 17th to 11th globally in merchandise exports and from 18th to 14th in
imports between 2021 and 2024, contributing 2.5 per cent to global merchandise exports and 2.2
per cent to imports. Exports reached $603 billion (Dh2.2153 trillion), and imports totaled $539
billion (Dh1.9802 trillion) in 2024.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler
of Dubai, said: “In a world of economic and trade challenges, the UAE has prioritized openness,
connectivity, and the free flow of trade, capital, and people, establishing itself as a vital link
between East and West and a global economic centre. Our commitment to openness, trade
liberalization, and global connectivity will ensure continued growth and leadership.”

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/economy/uae-foreign-trade-reaches-dh523-trillion-in-
2024-up-49-from-2021