UAE breaks into the world’s top 10 goods exporters, WTO data cited
UAE Among Top 10 Exporters Reaching a record milestone, the UAE has entered the global top 10 for the first time, ranking ninth among exporters in 2025. According to World Trade Organization data, the UAE’s total foreign trade surpassed $1.64 trillion in 2025, marking its debut in the global top 10 exporters. This achievement was highlighted in a statement by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He noted that the UAE advanced from 17th to 9th place in goods exports over the past five years.
Sheikh Mohammed, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, noted that the UAE’s total foreign trade reached AED 6 trillion (USD 1.6 trillion) last year. He stated this represented a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
The UAE’s impressive ascent saw it secure the ninth position globally among goods exporters in 2025, marking a specific timeframe for this historic achievement.
He noted that the UAE achieved a trade surplus of AED 584 billion in goods and services with global partners. For businesses, a surplus of this magnitude often enhances liquidity in sectors like logistics, warehousing, customs brokerage, and trade finance, where payment cycles and credit terms are crucial.
This monumental trade performance saw the nation’s total foreign trade volume impressively exceed $1.637 trillion, showcasing the exact scale of its economic prowess with its non-oil foreign trade exceeding $1 trillion a year, highlighting the scale of diversification behind the country’s rise in global trade rankings.
Quick Intel
- Ranking shift: UAE moved from #17 to #9 in goods exports in 5 years, per the latest WTO report cited by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
- Trade volume: Total foreign trade hit AED 6 trillion (USD 1.6 trillion) last year, a reported +15% year-on-year.
- External balance: Trade surplus reported at AED 584 billion across goods and services, strengthening the UAE’s net trade position.
- Business impact: Higher trade volumes typically raise demand for freight capacity, bonded storage, and compliance services (documentation, screening, product standards) across UAE supply chains.
This impressive trade performance led the nation’s total foreign trade volume to exceed $1.637 trillion, highlighting its economic strength. Meanwhile, the World Trade Organization (WTO) anticipates a slowdown in global trade growth for 2026, providing context for the UAE’s remarkable achievements in a potentially challenging international economic environment.
