Import Overview 2024
Total UAE imports reached approximately USD 381 billion in 2024, reflecting the country’s substantial consumption base and its function as a re-export hub. The trade balance remained in surplus at approximately USD 43 billion, supported by strong hydrocarbon export revenues and high-value re-export activity.
The import profile is dominated by manufactured goods, machinery, electronics, and consumer products, consistent with the UAE’s limited domestic manufacturing base and high per-capita consumption levels.
Top Import Products
| Product Category | Import Value (USD bn) | Share of Total (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold & Precious Metals | 62.4 | 16.4 |
| Electronics & Telecom Equipment | 48.7 | 12.8 |
| Machinery & Mechanical Appliances | 38.2 | 10.0 |
| Vehicles & Transport Equipment | 31.6 | 8.3 |
| Food & Beverages | 24.8 | 6.5 |
| Textiles & Apparel | 16.3 | 4.3 |
| Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals | 18.9 | 5.0 |
| Iron, Steel & Base Metals | 14.7 | 3.9 |
Top Import Source Countries
| Country | Import Value (USD bn) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| China | 64.2 | 16.9 |
| India | 42.8 | 11.2 |
| United States | 28.6 | 7.5 |
| Germany | 18.4 | 4.8 |
| Japan | 16.7 | 4.4 |
| United Kingdom | 14.2 | 3.7 |
| South Korea | 13.1 | 3.4 |
| Saudi Arabia | 11.8 | 3.1 |
Trade Balance Trend
| Year | Exports (USD bn) | Imports (USD bn) | Balance (USD bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 284.6 | 246.3 | +38.3 |
| 2021 | 338.4 | 294.7 | +43.7 |
| 2022 | 377.2 | 328.1 | +49.1 |
| 2023 | 407.1 | 361.4 | +45.7 |
| 2024 | 424.0 | 381.0 | +43.0 |
Free Zone Import Dynamics
A significant portion of UAE imports flows through free zones, where goods are processed, repackaged, or consolidated before re-export. Jebel Ali Free Zone alone handles approximately 34% of all UAE import volume. This import-for-re-export model means that headline import figures overstate domestic consumption by an estimated 30-40%.
Food Import Dependency
The UAE imports over 85% of its food requirements, making food security a strategic priority. Government programmes including the National Food Security Strategy 2051 aim to reduce import dependency through controlled-environment agriculture, strategic reserves, and supply chain diversification across source markets.
Outlook
Import growth is expected to track GDP expansion at 4-6% annually, with electronics, machinery, and food categories growing fastest as the domestic economy scales and population growth continues.