UAE expands export reach with 38 trade deals

The UAE has signed 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) since 2021, with trade under agreements already in force reaching AED304.3 billion in the first half of 2026. UAE exports to these markets stood at AED66.1 billion.

The growing network is giving UAE exporters access to more markets with lower tariffs and fewer trade barriers. This could help manufacturers and other businesses diversify their export destinations and build new supply chains across Asia, Africa and Europe.

The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached a record AED1.937 trillion in the first six months of 2026, while non-oil exports rose to AED452.8 billion.

India remains one of the largest markets under the programme, with UAE-India non-oil trade reaching AED107.5 billion during the period. Other agreements cover markets including Indonesia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Serbia, Kenya, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo.

The UAE also concluded CEPA negotiations with Canada in July. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached about US$4.2 billion in 2025, up 21% from the previous year.

The expanding agreements are also strengthening links between UAE ports, free zones and international supply chains, supporting the movement of goods between Asian, African and European markets.