UAE is 11th biggest garments buyer

The UAE was the 11th biggest importer of clothes in 2012, according to the International Trade Statistics 2013 report published by World Trade Organization (WTO), with total imports of $4 billion (Dh 14.7 billion) constituting 0.8 per cent of the world’s total imports.

According to the same report, the figures represent a 13 per cent increase compared to 2011.

The European Union topped the list with an import value of $170 billion, while US came second ($88 billion), Japan third ($34 billion), Australia 8th, China 10th, Saudi 12th, Mexico 13th and Chile 14th in the importers’ list.

According to WTO secretariat estimates, 15 countries exported $370 billion worth of clothes, holding 87.5 per cent share of the world’s exports in 2012. These countries categorised according to export volumes, are: China, European Union, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, USA, Malaysia, Mexico, Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Midhat M. Abu Ghazaleh, CEO, Abughazaleh Trading Company, (ABCO), said: "Most of the clothes brands in the UAE work under a franchise structure or joint venture with a local partner, however, the trend is changing slowly as home-grown fashion brands are emerging to compete with international peers."

He said: “Consumer spending is higher in the Gulf than in other parts of the world which is hopping up competition in the clothes industry and leave room for home grown brands.”

He added: “ABCO competes with international brands through the quality of our products and its price effectiveness, compared to similar products in the market. We know our customers very well and offer them products that match the diversity of cultures and lifestyles in the UAE and wider Gulf.”

The population growth that goes in parallel with influx of tourists makes the UAE clothes industry in a strong position to grow and compete regionally and internationally, according to Abu Ghazaleh.

He pointed out that there was a substantial growth in designer apparel in the UAE in 2013. He added: “This growth was mainly driven by the huge increase in inbound tourists coming into Dubai on luxury shopping trips.”

Abu Ghazaleh said that Dubai Design District, which is set to be established in the Emirate as a full service commercial hub for design industry-related organisations, brands and supporting enterprises, will further fuel up the apparel clothing sector.

“Dubai retail industry is expected to grow to Dh151 billion over the next two years and the clothing industry is likely to get a significant chunk of this growth,” concluded Abu Ghazaleh.

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