UAE 17th exporter of world’s merchandise trade

The UAE is the 17th exporter of the world merchandise trade for 2012, surpassing countries like India (19th rank), Sweden (28th rank), South Africa (44th rank), according to the “International trade statistics 2013” report published by World Trade Organization (WTO).

China topped the list of exporters, while USA came second, UK 11th, Saudi 15th, India 19th, Qatar 33rd, Kuwait 34th and Algeria 50th.

Only 5 Arab economies were listed among the top 50 leading world merchandise trade exporters for 2012, including Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Algeria, constituting 5.7 percent of the world’s exports value.

According to WTO secretariat estimates, the UAE exported $350 billion worth of merchandise trade, holding a 1.9 percent share of the world’s exports, an increase of 16% over 2011.

The world’s exports of merchandise trade stood at US$ 18401 billion in 2012, with China and USA together capturing a share of 19.5 percent.

These figures were released on the sidelines of the announcement of the 28th International Autumn Trade Fair (IATF2013), the region’s pioneer consumer goods show which was inaugurated today (Monday 16th December 2013) by Sheikh Hasher Maktoum Juma Al Maktoum, Director General, Dubai Department of Information at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre covering an exhibition area of 4000 square meters.

Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, organizer of the show, said: “The WTO figures reflect the significance of the UAE market in the merchandise trade industry. The UAE is a re-export center for not only the Middle East but also to North African and Asian markets.”

The UAE is a trading hub for consumer goods, being surrounded by fast growing markets of the Indian Subcontinent and Africa, according to Khanna.

IATF is a leading regional buyer-seller meeting ground for the consumer goods segment in the Arab region. The show will feature 200 exhibitors from 10 countries.

Khanna added: “IATF 2013 is set to attract a wide range of visitors, from end-users to trade visitors, interested in clinching deals with companies from Asia, North America and Europe, which are seeking to expand footprint in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.”

This year, the fair is hosting the official national pavilions of three countries, occupying 75 per cent of the of the exhibition’s space. The national pavilions include China, Korea, and Taiwan. Other countries participating at IATF2013 at individual levels include UAE, Netherlands, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Turkey.

Zhejiang Foreign Trade & Economic Co-operation Bureau will be repeating their presence at this edition. Geared up to meet the contemporary living with style and innovation, they will bring in a wide range of goods manufactured in Zhejiang Province of China with participation from over 45 well established enterprises.

In line with the past trends, participation from China continues to be enormous, with the pavilions being organised by several official bodies like Sinobal China, Massbetter Group, CCFNA, Guizhou Lucky and others. These participants have been represented at the IATF since its inception.

Taiwan, who is participating for the second time at an official level will feature 13 exhibitors and it is being sponsored by TAITRA which is an official body responsible for the promotion of export and international trade.

Korea is also set to make their presence felt with over 5 companies from various provinces of Korea. Owing to its high expectation and value as a means for business, KITA and Busan Economic Promotion Agency are giving extensive support to Korean exhibitors in the show. Bringing new realms of business to explore, Korea promises to offer a broad range of products with active participation.

IATF has grown as a significant exhibition brand serving the niche sector of consumer goods. Over the last couple of years, the show has become more attractive to global consumer goods companies with the rise in spending power of the region, particularly the GCC. This year also, most of the regular exhibitors of the show are coming back with new products, underscores the strategic effectiveness of the fair as a regional platform to showcase and launch consumer goods and penetrate the market.

Attracting national pavilions from several countries including China, Taiwan and Korea, IATF13 unveils an exciting mix of products comprising cosmetics, foodstuffs, electronics, household appliances, plastic household products, toys, stationery, electrical items, handicrafts, carpets, garments, textiles, house ware, kitchen ware, sanitary ware, novelties, machinery, machine tools, hardware accessories and dairy products.

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