The automotive aftermarket reached $8.8 billion in 2010 as Dubai re-established itself as the premier import/re-export destination spare parts, accessories, tyres and tubes and specialist equipment.
Speaking at this week’s Automechanika event, Dubai Custom’s Nassim Saeed Al Mehairi, senior manager – Statistics Section, Strategy & Corporate Excellence Department, revealed that total trade, which includes imports, exports and re-exports, continued to surge ahead in the first quarter of 2011.
According to Al Mehairi trade has grown to $2.3 billion in the first Quarter 2011.
While trade did not escape totally unscathed from the downturn, the figure represents a significant increase on the $1.44 billion recorded in 2006 and is up 11% from the $2 billion measured in 2010.
The quarter saw Japan and Germany feature as the two top countries for imports into the country. Likewise Germany joined Iraq and Afghanistan as the leading export destinations.
Re-exports out of the UAE to the wider region are headed mostly to Iraq, Russia, Finland Pakistan, and Iran.
The value of re-exports to Iran, which remains a heavily embargoed and sanctioned country for many western manufacturers, hit $150 million.
Â
