Dubai vegetable and fruit trade sees 19% growth in first half of 2013

The growth of the fruit and vegetable trade due to population growth in Dubai has bolstered its good standing in the fruit and vegetable trade by fostering growth in the international trade of these items. According to statistics issued by Dubai Customs, the Emirate’s trade in these foodstuffs amounted to about Dh6.4 billion in the first half of 2013, compared to Dh5.4 billion in the first half of 2012. This increase in trade, which reflects a 19 per cent growth in value, coincides with the International Perishables Expo Middle East, currently being held in Dubai.

The US has topped the list of Dubai’s trading partners in fruit imports by about 25 per cent, amounting Dh794 million (1 Dh= $0.27 USD), while India came in second with a 15 per cent share, amounting to Dh 477 million, followed by South Africa with a 12 per cent share of Dh384 million. The share of these three leading countries combined totalled 52 per cent of total fruit imports, or Dh1.7 billion. Regarding fruit exports and re-exports, Iran leads the list with a 29 per cent share, amounting to Dh422m with Saudi Arabia coming next at a 14 per cent share amounting to Dh207 million and finally India, with an 11 per cent share, amounting to Dh163m. The total share of these three countries combined was 55 per cent with a value of Dh792 million.

As far as the vegetable trade is concerned, India tops the list of Dubai’s trading partners with a 15 per cent share (valuing Dh213 million) followed by Australia with a 14 per cent share and Canada with a 12 per cent. The share of these three countries reached 41 per cent of the total vegetable imports of Dubai, with a value of Dh569 million. In the export and re-export arena, Iran has a share of 24 per cent valued at Dh94 million followed by the Sultanate of Oman with a 21 per cent share, Dh82 million, and Qatar with an 11 per cent share, Dh42 million. The combined share of the three countries reached 56 per cent of the total exports and re-exports of vegetables with a value of Dh217 million.

Source: gulfnews.com