UAE statistics indicate 128% increase in foodstuff trade

The total value of foodstuff trade in 2005 amounted to AED 19,963,721,374, while the total trade in 2001 was AED 8,749,655,276.

Compared to 2004 when the total trade in foodstuff amounted to AED 15,020,569,884, there was a 33 per cent increase in 2005. Also, in 2005, the value of imports stood at AED 13,273,414,903, exports at AED 3,111,935,940 and re-exports at 3,578,368,526. In 2001 these figures were AED 6,547,695,727, AED 458,645,974 and AED 1,743,313,576 respectively.

A breakup of the value of foodstuff imported during 2005 showed that edible fruits and nuts, peel of citrus fruits or melons was AED 1,483,366,705; sugars and sugar confectionery was AED 1,453,322,712; cereals was AED 1,420,054,212, coffee, tea, mate and spices was AED 1,285,112,442; diary products, bird eggs and honey was AED 1,009,984,700 and value of other food products together amounted to AED 6,621,574,133.

Adel Al Ashram, Senior Manager Department of Statistics (PCFC) said, 'Dubai has been witnessing a major increase in import and re-export of foodstuff in the recent years, which is indicative of the emirate's unprecedented growth and expansion. Dubai being a leading business and tourist hub of the region, has seen a significant surge in population, with people from various nationalities coming into the city. This has in turn led to a booming food industry in Dubai, with the value of trade in foodstuff rising at a steady pace.'

Brazil, with a total value of AED 1,633,760,352.55, topped the list of countries from which Dubai imported its food stuff in 2005, followed by India with a value of AED 1,524,681,267.54. The United States of America, Pakistan and Australia were the other major countries from which Dubai imported its foodstuff.