JAFZA generates over US$83 billion in trade
DP World, UAE region including Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has reaffirmed its position as the region’s top trade and logistics hub by generating 29.4 million Metric Tonnes (MT) of trade, valued at $83.1 billion in 2017.
The figures contribute 23 per cent to the total value of trade in Dubai, 70 per cent of the value of all Dubai’s free zone trade combined and has increased four per cent year on year. The volume of trade amounts to 97 per cent of Dubai’s total free zone trade, 32 per cent of Dubai’s total trade and has seen a six per cent increase in trade year-on-year. The total traded volume of 29.4 million MT is the highest since 2013.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “This is a proud moment for Jafza as our free zone continues to lead Dubai’s trade sector maintaining its positions as a regional and global business and logistics hub of choice. Last year’s growth was achieved against the headwinds of an economic slowdown across the world. The sustained growth of Jafza since 2013 across diverse sectors demonstrates its ability to leverage key market dynamics to create growth opportunities for our customers. Most critically, it shows that the Dubai and the UAE’s economy continues to be healthy and flexible, capable of successfully weathering and adapting to the changing patterns of international trade and global economics.
Over 77 per centof Jafza’s total trade volume in 2017 was generated by three sectors: oil and gas; foodstuff, livestock and agricultural products; and metal, steel and construction material.
Meanwhile, 76 per cent of the trade value was derived from five sectors: electronics and electricals, vehicle and transport, retail and general trading, oil and gas, and machinery and equipment
Jafza’s top markets by region were the Middle East at 40 per cent, Asia at 31 per cent and Europe at 13 per cent.
China remains Jafza’s largest trade partner as Chinese firms continue to use the free zone as their regional base for exports and re-exports of goods. Saudi Arabia was the second largest trade partner, followed by USA, Vietnam and India.
