Dubai's External Food Trade Reached Dh70.2 Billion in 2017: Dubai Customs

Dubai Customs continued its efforts in bolstering Dubai’s external food trade. A recent statistics issued by Dubai Customs in parallel with Gulfood 2018 showed that the value of this trade during the period from January to September 2017 reached AED 70.2b where imports had the lion’s share with AED 44.6b, followed by exports with AED 12.6b and re-exports with AED 12.9b.  

“Promoting external trade in support of national economy is a priority for us at Dubai Customs following the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,” said Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Director of Strategy and Corporate Excellence at Dubai Customs. “We facilitate the business by introducing the latest and best services in clearing cargo to help a better trade flow of food products from and into the country. Dubai has become an essential trade corridor for foodstuffs in the region, owing to its advanced infrastructure and efficient customs services that insure easy access of dietary supplies to the surrounding markets in record time. Tailoring smart Customs services and facilitations to the foodstuffs trading industry is key to ensure easy and timely access of basic goods to local consumers and surrounding markets in keeping with the highest health and safety standards”.

Kazim added: “These days Dubai is hosting the renowned Gulfood Exhibition 2018 from 18^th to 21^st February. In order to further help Dubai, maintain its leading position in hosting international events and exhibitions we provide certain facilitations to exhibitors and businesses. Temporary admission of exhibition goods is exempted of any customs duties. We have more to provide for the Dubai Expo 2020. Dubai Customs will dedicate a channel to clear goods and materials related to the renowned exhibition, amongst many other preferential services”.