Mohammed bin Rashid: UAE non-oil trade at AED 1.7 tn in H1 2025

Historic growth on multiple fronts

He highlighted that the current trade volumes are double those achieved in the first half of 2021 and represent growth of 37.8% and 59.5% over H1 2023 and 2022 respectively. Non‑oil exports reached AED 369.5 billion, accounting for 21.4% of total trade—the highest ratio ever recorded.

CEPA agreements fueling trade expansion

The launch of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme in September 2021 has significantly expanded the UAE’s global trade partnerships. To date, the UAE has signed 28 CEPA agreements—10 of which are already in force—providing tariff-free market access to nearly three billion consumers worldwide.

Key export destinations and rapid market growth

Top export markets in H1 2025 included Switzerland, India, Turkey, and Hong Kong. Exports to CEPA partner countries totaled AED 85.02 billion—with notable growth of 97.6% to India and 24.1% to Turkey. Re-exports also rose to AED 389 billion, up 14% from the previous year.

Imports and partner trade accelerate

Imported non‑oil goods amounted to AED 969.3 billion—up 22.5% year-on-year. Trade with the UAE’s top 10 partners surged by 25.5%, including notable increases of 33.9% with India, 120% with Switzerland, and growth with the US, Turkey, China, and France as well.

His Highness underscored that this performance reflects the UAE’s strategic vision under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan—and solidifies the country’s status as a global trading hub and reliable partner for the world’s largest economies.