Commercial relations between Italy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue to flourish. Figures from the ICE-Italian Trade Agency for 2013 confirm the upwards trend, with an increase in Italian imports of over 100%, or more than 1.3 billion euros. shipping and leisure craft lead the way, followed by precious and non-ferrous metals and oil. Our exports to the Emirates showed little change, with a rise of just 0.1% to 5.5 billion euros.
Drivers of growth
The sectors making the biggest contribution are jewellery and precious stones and metals (up 29.9% on 2012), machinery and oil derivatives. The UAE’s position as the principal outlet for Italian exports to the Arab world was thus confirmed, with a growing number of our companies transferring their production facilities. The trade balance remains broadly in Italy’s favour, with a surplus of over 4.2 billion euros.
These figures confirm the local market’s potential for Italian products in traditional categories and in leading “Made in Italy” sectors such as food and fashion.
