UAE–India non-oil trade reached US$37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 33.9 per cent increase over the same period last year, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, announced. This growth is seen as firm evidence that both countries are on track to meet their shared goal of US$100 billion in annual non-oil trade by 2030.
Dr Al Zeyoudi attributed much of the expansion to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into force in February 2022. The agreement has opened up market access, reduced barriers, and encouraged collaboration across a number of sectors, including logistics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and technology.
During a visit to Mumbai, Dr Al Zeyoudi met with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and leading business stakeholders to explore ways to deepen bilateral trade under CEPA. He highlighted the role of private sector collaboration, and the mutual strengths of the two economies, in sustaining and accelerating the momentum.
One of the major initiatives spotlighted was Bharat Mart, a sprawling 2.7 million-sq-ft facility being developed in the Jebel Ali Free Zone by DP World. Designed to serve as a hub for Indian exporters, the complex aims to leverage the UAE’s status as a global trade centre to reach markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Business leaders in both countries have welcomed the take-off. Indian pharmaceutical and food sector executives expressed optimism that the tariff liberalisations and streamlined customs procedures under CEPA are steadily translating into more competitive exports. UAE firms emphasised that stronger regulatory alignment and more robust supply chain linkages will be key to maintaining the current pace.
Economists note that external pressures—ranging from global inflation to shifting supply chain dynamics—could pose challenges. However, many analysts view the CEPA framework as providing resilience. They point out that with $37.6 billion in trade already achieved in just six months, the trajectory toward $100 billion annually does not seem out of reach, especially if both nations keep pushing reforms aimed at reducing non-tariff barriers and improving trade facilitation.
Dr Al Zeyoudi stressed that the first half performance “reflects the vast potential that is still to be tapped” and described CEPA as “instrumental in accelerating trade and investment by enhancing market access, boosting industrial productivity, and facilitating cooperation in priority sectors.”
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