Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade surged in 2023, with an increase of 8 percent compared to 2022. Statistics from Abu Dhabi Customs reveal a growth of over AED281.9 billion in the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade compared to AED260.4 billion in 2022.
Abu Dhabi’s imports saw a 19 percent annual increase in 2023, reaching a value of more than AED136.4 billion. Re-exports also saw an 11 percent annual increase, reaching a value of nearly AED52.4 billion, compared to AED47.2 billion in 2022.
Key sectors drive growth
Contributing to Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade, base metals and their products saw an 11 percent annual increase in trade value, exceeding AED53.1 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, machinery, sound and image recording, and playback equipment and accessories recorded a 16 percent annual increase in trade value to AED44.7 billion. The trade of transport equipment also saw a 12 percent increase, reaching AED43.5 billion. Meanwhile, the trade of pearls, precious stones, and precious metals and their products saw a 13 percent growth to AED42.3 billion.
Contribution of ports and airports
Abu Dhabi’s land, sea, and air ports played pivotal roles in facilitating non-oil foreign trade. Hence, non-oil foreign trade through land ports grew by 14 percent to AED 112.9 billion, and through sea ports by 13 percent to AED 103.6 billion. Moreover, the volume of foreign trade through Abu Dhabi’s airports reached AED65.3 billion.
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Government initiatives driving growth
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, director general of Abu Dhabi Customs, attributed the growth in trade to the UAE government’s policies, decisions and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive business environment. He also emphasized the role of Abu Dhabi Customs in adopting cutting-edge technologies and systems to enhance operational efficiency and provide seamless services that facilitate trade movement and accelerate customs procedures. These efforts contributed to the growth of foreign non-oil trade during the past year and the 100 percent compliance rate with the World Customs Organization’s SAFE framework of standards.
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