UAE enters top 10 global exporters, records $1.64 tn in trade

April 05, 2026 / 7:30 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: In a historic milestone, the UAE has become one of the world’s top 10 exporting countries, according to the latest World Trade Organisation (WTO) report, World Trade Prospects and Statistics. This achievement highlights the UAE’s role as a key hub in international supply chains and its growing contribution to the global economy.

Significant growth in trade

The UAE’s trade in goods and services rose sharply from US$949 billion (AED 3.5 trillion) in 2021 to US$1.637 trillion (AED 6.014 trillion) in 2025. Goods trade reached US$1.33 trillion (AED 4.9 trillion), with exports representing 53 percent, while services trade totaled AED 1.14 trillion, with 61.4 percent being service exports.

Trade surplus and global ranking

The UAE recorded a trade surplus of AED 584.1 billion in 2025, up 19 percent from 2024. The country ranked 9th globally in goods exports and 13th in imports, maintaining its regional leadership since 2014 as the top Middle Eastern and African nation in international trade.

Growth in services and digital sector

Services trade surpassed AED 1 trillion for the first time, contributing 2 percent of global service exports. The UAE also ranked 25th globally in digital services exports, valued at US$33 billion (AED 121.19 billion), accounting for 17 percent of total service exports.

Government initiatives and strategic vision

Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasized that the UAE’s top 10 ranking demonstrates competitiveness and global confidence in its economy. The UAE plans to expand trade partnerships through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), enhance supply chain efficiency using modern technologies, and continue promoting free trade and international cooperation.

Global trade outlook

The WTO report noted a slowdown in global trade growth due to geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. Goods trade is expected to grow 1.9 percent in 2026, recovering to 2.6 percent in 2027, while services trade growth may slow to 4.8 percent in 2026 before accelerating to 5.1 percent in 2027.

Commitment to sustainability and innovation

Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to open economic policies, sustainability, and innovation, emphasising the country’s resilience and ongoing upward trajectory in foreign trade.