UAE Achieves Historic Global Trade Rankings

The United Arab Emirates has reached a historic milestone, climbing to become the ninth largest exporter of goods globally and the 13th largest importer, according to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani Al Zeyoudi, described the achievement as a testament to the country’s competitiveness and a reflection of confidence in its economy. “Despite the current geopolitical challenges, we are determined to build on this success and cement our position on the global trade map,” he said.

The WTO report highlighted exceptional growth in the UAE’s foreign trade in services, which is expected to reach Dh1.14 trillion in 2025, surpassing the Dh1 trillion mark for the first time. The country now accounts for 3.3 percent of global goods exports and 2.8 percent of goods imports. In services, the UAE contributes 2 percent of global exports and 1.4 percent of global imports.

Trade agreements have been a major driver of the UAE’s expanding global presence. The country has signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with 15 nations, starting with India in 2022. These agreements aim to improve market access, lower tariffs, simplify customs procedures, and support rules-based competition. They are central to the UAE’s goal of establishing itself as a global trade and logistics hub.

The digital services sector has grown rapidly, with the UAE ranked 25th worldwide in digital services exports, generating US$33 billion (Dh121.19 billion). This represents 0.6 percent of global digital services exports and accounts for 17 percent of the country’s total services exports, underscoring the sector’s rising economic significance.

Crude oil remains the UAE’s main export, valued at $114 billion (Dh418 billion) in 2024. Non-oil sectors are also expanding, including metals, building materials, financial services, gold and precious metals, defence, food, logistics, renewables, educational services, petrochemicals, plastics, hotel and tourism services, and innovation-driven e-services.

The WTO report warned that global trade could slow due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have disrupted key trade routes and pushed up oil prices. Goods trade growth is projected to ease to 1.9 percent in 2026, down from 4.6 percent in 2025, while services trade growth may slow to 4.8 percent before rising to 5.1 percent in 2027. Rising energy prices could reduce goods trade growth to 1.4 percent and services growth to 4.1 percent in 2026.

Despite these challenges, the UAE’s rise in global trade rankings reflects its strategic economic diversification, investment in technology and logistics, and focus on building strong international partnerships. Analysts note that the country’s performance signals confidence in its long-term role on the world trade stage and its ability to navigate shifting global markets.