Infant formula exports from the United Arab Emirates: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates exported infant formula worth $113.9 million (8.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 34% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $184.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $113.9M | 8.6K t |
| 2023 | $173.0M | 20.5K t |
| 2022 | $156.1M | 19.3K t |
| 2021 | $159.0M | 21.1K t |
| 2020 | $184.7M | 26.4K t |
| 2019 | $132.8M | 17.6K t |
| 2018 | $58.2M | 6.8K t |
| 2017 | $37.0M | 4.2K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates exports infant formula to
Saudi Arabia alone took 88% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Lebanon grew fastest (+223% on the year before).
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.28 per kg, 55% above the world average of $8.59. 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.
Infant formula imports to the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates imported $80.3 million of infant formula in 2024 (12.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Most of the value came from Switzerland (26%), Ireland (20%), France (14%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+183% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $21.1M | 26% |
| Ireland | $16.1M | 20% |
| France | $11.1M | 14% |
| Netherlands | $7.0M | 8.7% |
| Germany | $6.2M | 7.7% |
| United Kingdom | $5.0M | 6.2% |
| Singapore | $3.2M | 4% |
| Spain | $2.8M | 3.4% |
| Poland | $2.6M | 3.2% |
| New Zealand | $1.3M | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates infant formula exports (HS 1901.10): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 1901.10: Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, suitable for infants or young children, put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of infant formula exported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates exported infant formula worth $113.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 16th of 146 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 34% on 2023.
Which countries buy infant formula from the United Arab Emirates?
Saudi Arabia was the largest buyer with 88% of the value ($100.0 million), followed by Lebanon (5%) and Qatar (2%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 29 buyer countries in total. Mozambique grew fastest among the top ten, up 761% on the year.
What is the average export price of infant formula per kg?
The average declared export value was about $13.28 per kg in 2024, 55% above the world average of $8.59 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of infant formula from the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Exports went from $37.0 million in 2017 to $113.9 million in 2024, an increase of 208%. The peak was 2020 at $184.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $126.8 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also import infant formula?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates imported $80.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Switzerland, Ireland and France. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net exporter of this product, by about $33.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for infant formula?
The HS code for infant formula is subheading 1901.10. It sits in HS chapter 19 (preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1901 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
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