Bulk chocolate imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Arab Emirates imported $72.4 million of bulk chocolate in 2024 (10.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 19% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $72.4M | 10.2K t |
| 2023 | $60.9M | 13.0K t |
| 2022 | $64.2M | 13.8K t |
| 2021 | $54.4M | 10.6K t |
| 2020 | $44.8M | 9.3K t |
| 2019 | $52.2M | 10.4K t |
| 2018 | $45.4M | 9.3K t |
| 2017 | $29.2M | 7.0K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports bulk chocolate from
Most of the value came from Belgium (32%), France (20%), Saudi Arabia (16%). Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+174% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $23.3M | 32% |
| France | $14.6M | 20% |
| Saudi Arabia | $11.6M | 16% |
| Italy | $4.5M | 6.3% |
| United States | $3.3M | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $2.8M | 3.9% |
| Switzerland | $2.5M | 3.4% |
| Indonesia | $1.4M | 2% |
| Germany | $1.1M | 1.5% |
| Spain | $1.1M | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.10 per kg, 39% above the world average of $5.09. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Bulk chocolate exports from the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates exported $7.5 million of bulk chocolate in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Saudi Arabia (41%), Kuwait (18%), Bahrain (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Malaysia grew fastest (+812% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $3.1M | 41% |
| Kuwait | $1.4M | 19% |
| Bahrain | $1.1M | 15% |
| Qatar | $1.0M | 13% |
| Malaysia | $187K | 2.5% |
| Tunisia | $158K | 2.1% |
| Pakistan | $120K | 1.6% |
| Denmark | $98K | 1.3% |
| Seychelles | $89K | 1.2% |
| Singapore | $57K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates bulk chocolate imports (HS 1806.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1806.20: Chocolate & other food preparations containing cocoa: in blocks, slabs or bars weighing more than 2kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, content exceeding 2kg.
Common questions
What is the value of bulk chocolate imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported bulk chocolate worth $72.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 23rd of 218 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply bulk chocolate to the United Arab Emirates?
Belgium was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($23.3 million), followed by France (20%) and Saudi Arabia (16%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 174% on the year.
What is the average import price of bulk chocolate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.10 per kg in 2024, 39% above the world average of $5.09 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of bulk chocolate to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $29.2 million in 2017 to $72.4 million in 2024, an increase of 147%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $52.9 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export bulk chocolate?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $7.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $64.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for bulk chocolate?
The HS code for bulk chocolate is subheading 1806.20. It sits in HS chapter 18 (cocoa and cocoa preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1806 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For the United Arab Emirates, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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