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28 March 2024

Dubai vegetable and fruit trade reaches Dh6.4bn in first half of 2013

Published
By Wam

Dubai has bolstered its good standing in the fruit and vegetable trade by fostering growth in the international trade of these items.

According to statistics issued by Dubai Customs, the Emirate's trade in these foodstuffs amounted to about Dh6.4 billion in the first half of 2013 compared to Dh5.4 billion in the first half of 2012. This increase in trade, which reflects a 19 per cent growth in value, coincides with the International Perishables Expo Middle East, currently being held in Dubai.

The greatest share of the fruit and vegetable trade passes to local markets. The fruit-vegetable imports reached Dh4.6bn in the first half of 2013, compared to Dh3.9bn in the first half of the preceding year, while exports and re-exports amounted to Dh1.8bn, compared to Dh1.5bn for the same period in 2012.

The growth of the fruit and vegetable trade reflects the boom in local markets and continuous expansion of demand, thanks to population growth, the emerging economy, and Dubai’s upholding of its leading position in the regional and international fruit and vegetable markets through exports and re-exports to these markets.

The US has topped the list of Dubai's trading partners in fruit imports by about 25 per cent, amounting Dh794 million, while India came in second with a 15 per cent share, amounting to Dh477m, followed by South Africa with a 12 per cent share of Dh384m.

The share of these three leading countries combined totalled 52 per cent of total fruit imports, or Dh1.7bn. Regarding fruit exports and re-exports, Iran leads the list with a 29 per cent share, amounting to Dh422m with Saudi Arabia coming next at a 14 per cent share amounting to Dh207m and finally India, with an 11 per cent share, amounting to Dh163m. The total share of these three countries combined was 55 per cent with a value of Dh792m.

As far as the vegetable trade is concerned, India tops the list of Dubai's trading partners with a 15 per cent share (valuing Dh213m) followed by Australia with a 14 per cent share and Canada with a 12 per cent.

The share of these three countries reached 41 per cent of the total vegetable imports of Dubai, with a value of Dh569m. In the export and re-export arena, Iran has a share of 24 per cent valued at Dh94m followed by the Sultanate of Oman with a 21 per cent share, Dh82m, and Qatar with an 11 per cent share, Dh42m. The combined share of the three countries reached 56 per cent of the total exports and re-exports of vegetables with a value of Dh217m.

Dubai Customs is keen to provide the best facilities for vegetable and fruit trading by accelerating customs clearance procedures for this type of goods to make sure they reach the market as soon as possible. This is to meet the consumers’ demand for all types and quantities without delay and to ensure fruits and vegetables remain fresh and of high quality. By fully meeting consumers’ demands, vegetable and fruit traders can further their opportunities to expand their trade.

By becoming the first 100 per cent smart government department, Dubai Customs offers smart services to its customers to expedite customs clearance for processes of goods of various types, including vegetables and fruits, which will benefit the most by the acceleration of clearance procedures. Traders can completely follow-up their operations through smart services delivered on their mobile phones.