General cargo ships imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Arab Emirates imported $740.4 million of general cargo ships in 2024 (315.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $740.4M | 315.1K t |
| 2023 | $726.0M | 417.3K t |
| 2022 | $502.8M | 275.5K t |
| 2021 | $355.8M | 168.3K t |
| 2020 | $83.1M | 111.3K t |
| 2019 | $131.7M | 143.3K t |
| 2018 | $179.1M | 18.6K t |
| 2017 | $124.3M | 64.6K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports general cargo ships from
Saudi Arabia alone supplied 54% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $397.0M | 54% |
| China | $194.4M | 26% |
| India | $54.9M | 7.4% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $27.1M | 3.7% |
| Germany | $22.7M | 3.1% |
| Cyprus | $21.4M | 2.9% |
| South Korea | $6.1M | 0.8% |
| Indonesia | $5.9M | 0.8% |
| Malaysia | $4.8M | 0.7% |
| Turkey | $2.1M | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.35 per kg, close to the world average of $2.46.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
General cargo ships exports from the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates exported $4.8 million of general cargo ships in 2024 (10.4 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Angola accounted for 54% of the value.
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates general cargo ships imports (HS 8901.90): 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 8901.90: Vessels: n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods.
Common questions
What is the value of general cargo ships imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported general cargo ships worth $740.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 315.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 167 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply general cargo ships to the United Arab Emirates?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 54% of the value ($397.0 million), followed by China (26%) and India (7%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 424% on the year.
What is the average import price of general cargo ships per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.35 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.46 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of general cargo ships to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $124.3 million in 2017 to $740.4 million in 2024, an increase of 496%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $355.4 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export general cargo ships?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $4.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Angola, Nigeria and the Maldives. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $735.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for general cargo ships?
The HS code for general cargo ships is subheading 8901.90. It sits in HS chapter 89 (ships, boats and floating structures). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8901 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for the United Arab Emirates. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World general cargo ships trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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