Dubai’s non-oil trade grew 6% to reach Dhs1.02 trillion in first nine months of 2019

Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade rose to 83 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2019, showcasing a 22 per cent year-on-year increase in volumes from 68 million tonnes during the same period in 2018, according to Dubai Customs, official news agency WAM reported.

The volumes of re-exports soared 48 per cent to 13 million tonnes. Meanwhile, exports and imports grew by 47 per cent and 13 per cent to 14 million and 56 million tonnes respectively, a statement said.

In terms of value, Dubai’s exports grew rose by 23 per cent to reach Dhs118bn while re-exports grew by four per cent to Dhs312bn, and imports were up three per cent to Dhs589bn.

“Dubai trade with the world crossed the trillion mark growing by six per cent to reach Dhs1,019 trillion in the first nine months of 2019 from Dhs966bn in the same period in 2018,” said Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, director general, Dubai Customs.

Meanwhile, the number of transactions carried out by the Dubai government department also grew by 34 per cent, equalling 13 million transactions, compared to 9.7 million in 2018.

Free Zones Trade
Dubai’s foreign trade occuring out of free zones accounted for Dhs439bn, marking an increase of 11 per cent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, direct trade achieved two per cent growth at Dhs574bn in the first nine months of 2019, customs warehouse trade hit Dhs6bn, land borders trade soared by 11 per cent posting Dhs169bn, maritime and ports trade scaled by five per cent to Dhs381bn, and air trade rose by four per cent, equalling Dhs469bn.

Trade Initiatives
In 2019, Dubai launched the world logistics passport, designed to boost the ‘Dubai Silk Road’ program, a Dubai 10X initiative – to strengthen the global trade system, eliminate trade barriers and bolster demand for the emirate’s products, services and integrated transportation systems.

Dubai Customs also revamped its customs operations room at Jebel Ali and Tecom Customs centre, now equipped with smart electronic systems, to assist in customs and inspection activities and operations, the statement said.

The Dubai Customs booking system is also linked with that of DP World, enabling clients to book inspection slots directly once they receive codes from DP World.