UAE’s non-oil trade surges to $462.4B in first half of 2025, outpacing global trends
Driven by record exports and trade pacts, Emirates posts 24% annual growth as global trade slows
DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) — The United Arab Emirates recorded $462.4 billion in non-oil foreign trade in the first half of 2025, marking a 24% increase from the same period last year and outperforming the global trade growth average of just 1.75%, according to official government data.
Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the rise reflects the UAE’s expanding global partnerships and ongoing economic diversification.
“The numbers speak of our economic relations with the world and a future that will be even greater,” he posted on social media platform X.
The growth places the UAE well above global trends, bolstered by its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program, which has enabled improved trade access to key international markets.
Non-oil trade with several countries soared, including a 120% jump with Switzerland, 41% with Turkey, 33% with India, 29% with the US, and 15% with China.
In 2024, the UAE posted total foreign trade worth $1.42 trillion and a trade surplus of $133.9 billion, as exports outpaced imports.
The Ministry of Economy said in June that real GDP reached $483.1 billion, with the non-oil sector contributing $364.5 billion—over 75% of the total. Oil-related activities contributed $118 billion.
Trade Minister Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi noted that non-oil exports reached $100.5 billion in the first half of 2025, an annual growth rate of 44.7%, comprising 21.4% of total foreign trade.
Re-exports rose 14% year-on-year to $105.8 billion, while imports increased 22.5% to $263.6 billion.
“This reflects the success of our economic diversification plans and global confidence in UAE goods and services,” said Al Zeyoudi. Trade with the UAE’s top 10 partners climbed by 25.5%, with other markets contributing an additional 23.6% in growth.
To date, the UAE has signed 28 CEPA agreements, 10 of which—including those with India, Turkey, Indonesia, Israel, and Jordan—have been implemented. The agreements grant tariff-free access to markets with nearly three billion consumers.
While the UAE’s trade continues to expand, global prospects remain subdued due to tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties.
The World Trade Organization expects global goods trade to contract by 0.2% in 2025, citing risks from recent tariff increases, including those implemented by the U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite those headwinds, the UAE’s trade agenda is pressing forward. Agreements with countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Kenya, and Vietnam are awaiting implementation, while negotiations have concluded with Morocco, Armenia, and the Philippines.
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