Dubai’s non-oil direct trade rose 30 per cent to Dh235 billion in the first quarter of this year as compared to Dh180 billion in the same period last year and Dh159 billion dirhams during the same period of 2009.
Dubai Customs’ latest statistics showed that Dubai’s imports in the first four months of this year rose by 40 per cent to Dh29 billion compared to Dh20 billion during the period from January to April in 2010.
On the other hand, the re-exports increased 38 per cent to Dh61 billion compared to Dh44 billion during the same period of 2010.
Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zones, the Director General of Dubai Customs, said total growth in Dubai’s direct trade reflects quick recovery of business activities in the emirate with future opportunities for more growth and productivity.
India remained Dubai’s biggest partner in the first four months of this year with trade value of Dh75 billion, accounting for 37 per cent of Dubai’s total trade. While imports from India amounted to Dh36 billion and re-exports from Dubai to India reached Dh26.68 billion while Dubai’s exports to India reached Dh12.73 billion.
China and the US stood at second and third place, respectively, in terms of exports to Dubai with value of Dh14 billion and Dh10 billion.
Diamond (raw and manufactured) came first with a total value of more than Dh27 billion, followed by gold and platinum metals with value of more than Dh23 billion and then gold, related parts and precious metals with value of more than $8 billion.
Gold also took the first spot in the exports list with Dh17 billion, followed by petroleum oil and waste & scrap of precious metals or ordinary metals with more than Dh1 billion.
In re- exports, diamond (raw and manufactured) came first with a total value of more than Dh28 billion followed by vehicles and auto-spare parts - value around Dh3 billion and then jewellery & precious metals with value of Dh2.66 billion.