Auto part optimism as Dubai Customs reports 32.8% YoY rise in general trade during H1

Dubai’s pandemic recovery has been bolstered by new Dubai Customs figures which reveal the emirate recorded a 32.8% year-on-year rise in general trade volumes in H1.

Released at Automechnika Dubai, the Middle East’s largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, the Dubai Customs data shows general trade rose from AED 551 billion in H1 2020 to AED 731 billion during the first six months of this year.

According to the Dubai Customs report, the auto parts sector maintained a significant AED 22.3 billion contribution (3.9%) to overall trade volumes in H1 of this year, comprising AED 11.4 billion in sector-specific imports, AED 9.5 billion in exports, and AED 1.4 billion in re-exports.

Dubai’s top five auto parts trade partners in H1 spotlight the emirate’s global approach to post-pandemic trade recovery, with five countries from three continents contributing AED 8.37 billion, or 37.5% of total auto parts trade between January and July.

The top five included Japan at AED 2.85 billion, China at AED 1.53 billion, Saudi Arabia at AED 1.38 billion, the USA at AED 1.34 billion, and Germany at AED 1.27 billion.

“These numbers highlight Dubai’s great strategies in dealing with the global pandemic. The figures clearly show that Dubai has strong year-on-year trade growth indicators and recovery symptoms following the pandemic,” said Fuad Bassam Hussein, Senior Officer, Data Validation and Monitoring Department at Dubai Customs.

The Dubai Customs report was well received at the 18th edition of Automechnika Dubai. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the sector’s first face-to-face trade event in the region since 2019 runs at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday (December 16).

Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Show Director of Automechnika Dubai, believes the assembled force of exhibitors from 47 countries and 12 national pavilions demonstrates the global automotive aftermarket sector’s enduring confidence in Dubai.

“There is tangible celebratory spirit at the show, and energised, competitive intent shared by an international array of local and international companies. The global footprint of exhibitors and visitors underlines the critical role Automechnika Dubai plays in facilitating year-round transactions across Dubai’s worldwide network of auto parts trade partners,” explained Bilikozen.

“The sector’s robust year-on-year growth bodes well. In a region with strong population growth projections and rising disposable wealth, we are confident that strategic government-level drives in manufacturing and industrial expansion will combine with high consumer demand to propel overall sector growth,” added Bilikozen.

Spread across eight DWTC halls, Automechanika Dubai features six sectors: tires & batteries; car wash, care & reconditioning, repair & maintenance; parts & components; electronics &systems as well as accessories & customization.

For the first time, the show will feature a comprehensive awards ceremony recognising excellence in products, services, personnel and training within the regional industry and a Tools & Skills Challenge – an action-packed live stage where workshop specialists can demonstrate their skills in tire changing, tire mounting and smart dent removal.