UAE's non-oil exports rise 40%

The nation's non-oil exports rose by 40 per cent to Dh77 billion (US$20.96bn) in the first six months of the year from a year earlier, figures from the Federal Customs Authority showed yesterday.

Exports swelled from Dh55bn in the first six months of last year. Re-exports reached Dh100.5bn in the first half of the year.

Imports expanded by 12 per cent to reach Dh321.4bn, from Dh286.3bn a year earlier.

"The initial statistics showed an upward trend for exports, which maintained positive growth rates ranging between 30 per cent and 40 per cent, during the first half of this year," the customs authority said in a release announcing the data.

"This reflects the impressive growth seen across different sectors, as well as the positive impact of the stimulus policy and measures to promote national investments."

Gold remained the most valuable commodity exported during the period, accounting for Dh41.4bn of exports.

Polyethylene and propylene polymers, jewellery, aluminium, petroleum and other oils were the next most valuable exports.

tarnold@thenational.ae