Abu Dhabi has recorded 36.6 per cent growth in external trade at Dh8.59 billion for July 2008 against Dh6.289bn for the corresponding period in 2007.
Commenting on the comprehensive report on external trade activities that include imports, non-oil exports and re-exports transactions during July 2008, Saeed Ahmed Al Muhairi, Vice-Director of the Abu Dhabi Customs Administration, said the outstanding growth in external trade activities was achieved despite the usual general slow down during the summer period.
According to the new statistics, imports during July 2008 reached Dh7.49bn compared to Dh5.141bn in the same period in 2007 – a rise of 46 per cent.
Non-oil exports of Abu Dhabi reached to Dh578.87m in July 2008 compared to Dh579.81m in the same period in 2007. Re-export activities witnessed a decrease last July, plummeting to Dh518.96m in July 2008 from Dh567.93m for the same period last year.
Saudi Arabia, Japan and Germany were the top three exporters to the emirate last month, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China were the top three destinations for Abu Dhabi's non-oil exports. The top re-exports destinations were Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain.
The department also announced that 57 per cent of imports were through sea ports while 32 per cent merchandise passed land borders and 11 per cent were through air freight.
"The statistics represent a proof that reflects the high stature of Abu Dhabi in the customs field. Through providing traders with high end services, we were able to attract more dealers who expect simple and swift customs procedures," he said.
Th report highlights the increasing economic importance of Abu Dhabi, he said.