Trading Partner Portal: United Arab Emirates
Overview
Trade Overview
The UAE enjoys a high per capita income and an open economy with a substantial trade surplus. Oil was discovered in the UAE in the 1950s and Abu Dhabi was one of the first emirates to begin exporting oil. Since the discovery and export of oil, the UAE has transformed into an economy with a high standard of living. The UAE has been a member of the WTO since 1996 and a member of Gatt since 1994. The UAE has a population of approximately 9.52 million and a GDP of $504.17 billion as of 2023. (CIA Factbook, World Bank)
U.S. – UAE Trade
Two-way trade between the United States and the UAE was approximately $31.47 billion in 2023.
The United States exported $24.85 billion to the UAE in 2023. Exports consisted of $6.28 billion in transportation equipment, $5.11 billion in computer and electronic products, $2.86 billion in miscellaneous manufactured goods, $2 million in used or secondhand merchandise, and $1.65 billion in chemicals.
Imports from the UAE were over $6.62 billion, with the top categories being primary metal manufacturing ($1.97 billion), petroleum and coal products ($765 million), oil and gas ($531 million) and chemicals ($409 million).
UAE – California Trade
In 2023, California exported $2.38 billion to the UAE, with computer and electronic products making up $631 million of the total. Agricultural products made up $470 million of the total, followed by miscellaneous manufactures ($420 million), used or secondhand merchandise ($222 million), and transportation equipment ($206 million). U.S. Department of Commerce
Imports for this same year totaled at 982 million, with oil and gas being the top export at $514 million, roughly 52% of the total. other top imports included primary metals manufactures ($170 million), petroleum and coal products ($95 million), reimports ($69 million), and nonmetallic mineral products ($32 million). California is the #3 importer from the UAE out if all 50 states.
FDI – UAE
U.S. FDI in the UAE totaled $16.1 billion in 2023, and UAE FDI into the U.S. totaled $28.4 billion in the same year. UAE FDI contributed to 24,300 jobs in the U.S. And $1.4 billion went to expanding U.S. exports from Emirati-owned firms. Roughly 2.2 billion was invested in research and development as well. The top industry sectors for UAE FDI were transportation, business services, software & IT services, real estate, food and beverages, and aerospace. Select USA, Bureau of Economic Analysis
More Articles:
UAE Ready ‘Anytime’ for Free Trade Talks with U.S.
Politico, August 4, 2022
Trade Policy Review: United Arab Emirates
WTO, March 22 and 24, 2022
Posting First Rise Since 2014, U.S. Exports to Arab World Grow 4 PErcent to $62.64 Billion in 2019
National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, February 9, 2020
U.S. Goods Exports to Arab Countries 2018 vs. 2019
National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, February 2020
Abraham Accords
(Per the Dubai Chamber and the Federation of Israeli Chambers Joint Partnership, 2020) The “Abraham Accords” created a historic opportunity for Bi –literal cooperation between the countries, which led to the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, early this September. Under the agreement, the parties open up to the business sectors in both countries in order to increase and expand business connections, promote mutual trade and encourage investments.
Press Release: Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of the Israeli chambers of Commerce launch their first joint economic study
Dubai Chamber and the Federation of Israeli Chambers, November 23, 2020
The economic works are an integral continuation of this cooperation that was forged between the two chambers and is now paving the way for future investments and trade.
1. Joint Economic Paper prepared with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce – Click here to read the document
The economic research work outlines the potential inherent in the collaboration between the business sector in Dubai and the business sector in Israel.
The work is divided into four chapters:
- Economic overview of each country, Corporate Tax, Major Trade Industries and more.
- Trade opportunities between the two countries: Export and Import.
- Investment opportunities with a focus on: High-Tech, Jewelry and Gemstone Manufacturing, Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, Logistics and Maritime Transportation.
- Proposals for the development of business relations between the countries, such as negotiations on Import Tariffs, producing business networking events, identifying business opportunities and more.
2. Research Paper on the Emeriti Business Economy – Click here to read the document
A research paper that drew a basic road map of the Emeriti economy that includes: Key Emeriti stakeholders and the main driving forces in the economy and business culture in the Emirates. The paper includes:
- An overview of the Emirati economy and its main characteristics, such as the public and business sector and shifting to knowledge and innovation-based economy.
- Review and analysis of Emirati foreign trade, including Exports and Imports of goods, Services and Free Trade Zones.
- Mapping key opportunities for Israeli companies such as exports of Goods and Services to the Emirati Market; cooperation in the fields of Economics, Industry, and R&D; Free Trade Areas as a platform for export; and Israel as a platform for developing Emirati foreign trade with Western markets.