United Arab Emirates Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
United Arab Emirates's trade balance was $78.5B in 2025, ranked 12th globally. This represents a 2.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2001–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's trade balance stood at $78.5B in 2025, a rise of +$1.9B from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $78.5B by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 12th globally.
The United Arab Emirates recorded a trade surplus of 78,493,396,868.62 in 2025, ranking twelfth worldwide, and has expanded the surplus from 8,733,832,539.14 in 2001 over a 24‑year span. The apex of the surplus came in 2013 with 139,735,057,862.49, while the lowest point occurred in 2002 at 6,517,631,041.52, illustrating a steady upward trajectory despite early volatility. Compared with peers, the UAE’s 2025 surplus trails Spain’s 81,786,173,122.51 but exceeds Australia’s 61,067,397,196.66, reflecting the emirate’s strong re‑exports of petroleum products and growing non‑oil trade diversification. The persistent rise is linked to strategic logistics hubs, free‑zone incentives, and expanding services such as tourism and finance, which have cushioned the impact of fluctuating oil prices. Continued investment in renewable energy and digital trade platforms could sustain or even accelerate the surplus, provided global demand for UAE‑origin goods and services remains robust.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | $78.1B | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $78.5B | - | - |
| 2025 | $78.5B | +$1.9B | #12 |
| 2023 | $76.6B | −$17.4B | #162 |
| 2022 | $93.9B | +$16.3B | #171 |
| 2021 | $77.6B | +$24.6B | #172 |
| 2020 | $53.0B | −$45.8B | #173 |
| 2019 | $98.9B | −$19.8B | #176 |
| 2018 | $118.7B | +$21.9B | #180 |
| 2017 | $96.8B | +$6.9B | #180 |
| 2016 | $89.9B | +$381.2M | #178 |
| 2015 | $89.5B | −$38.1B | #177 |
| 2014 | $127.6B | −$12.1B | #177 |
| 2013 | $139.7B | +$4.0B | #175 |
| 2012 | $135.8B | +$35.9B | #172 |
| 2011 | $99.9B | +$40.2B | #172 |
| 2010 | $59.7B | +$44.9B | #170 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's trade balance was $78.5B in 2025. Ranked 12th globally. This represents a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's trade balance peaked at $139.7B in 2013.
The lowest trade balance in United Arab Emirates was $6.5B in 2002.
United Arab Emirates ranks 12th globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's trade balance is projected to reach $78.5B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
United Arab Emirates's trade balance was approximately 78.49 billion ($78.5B) in 2025.
The trade balance of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was $78.5B. This ranks 12th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_trade-balance,
title = {United Arab Emirates Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}