Dubai’s non-oil external trade grows to Dhs354bn in Q1 2021

Dubai’s non-oil external trade grows to Dhs354bn in Q1 2021

Dubai's foreign trade in Q1 2021 touched Dhs354.4bn, growing 10 per cent from Dhs323bn in the corresponding period in 2020, and up 5 per cent compared to Q1 2019. Exports grew 25 per cent to Dhs50.5bn, representing a volume of 5 million tonnes (up 20 per cent), and imports accounted for Dhs204.8bn, growing 9 per cent. The value of re-exports reached Dhs99bn, increasing 5.5 per cent. Direct trade in Q1 2021 totaled Dhs217bn, up 15 per cent over Q1 2020, while trade through free zones reached Dhs135bn, growing 2 per cent. Customs warehouse was recorded at Dhs2.3bn, representing an increase of 23 per cent. Airborne trade accounted for Dhs179bn (up 15 per cent), sea trade reached Dhs120bn (an increase of 3 per cent), while land trade touched Dhs55.3bn (a growth of 7 per cent). China maintained its position as Dubai's largest trading partner in Q1 2021, with Dhs44bn worth of trade, representing a growth of 30 per cent. India came in second with Dhs35bn, growing 17 per cent, followed by the US at Dhs15.4bn. Saudi Arabia also remained Dubai's largest Gulf and Arab trade partner, and its fourth largest global trade partner, with Dhs14.7bn worth of trade, growing 20 per