Medical needles imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Arab Emirates imported $17.1 million of medical needles in 2024 (601 tonnes). Value fell 53% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $36.4 million.
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 | $17.1M | 601 t |
| 2023 | $36.4M | 298 t |
| 2022 | $14.7M | 364 t |
| 2021 | $9.4M | 280 t |
| 2020 | $7.3M | 240 t |
| 2019 | $6.6M | 214 t |
| 2018 | $7.0M | 202 t |
| 2017 | $5.4M | 166 t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports medical needles from
Most of the value came from China (26%), India (25%), Netherlands (9%). Among the main suppliers, Netherlands grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $4.5M | 26% |
| India | $4.4M | 26% |
| Netherlands | $1.6M | 9.2% |
| South Korea | $1.2M | 7.1% |
| Germany | $1.1M | 6.6% |
| Canada | $967K | 5.7% |
| Belgium | $777K | 4.6% |
| Austria | $541K | 3.2% |
| United States | $425K | 2.5% |
| Italy | $274K | 1.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $28.43 per kg, 27% below the world average of $39.17, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Medical needles exports from the United Arab Emirates
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates exported medical needles worth $555 thousand (20 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: United Kingdom accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $332K | 60% |
| Lebanon | $70K | 13% |
| India | $28K | 5.1% |
| Uganda | $28K | 5.1% |
| Seychelles | $25K | 4.5% |
| Pakistan | $19K | 3.4% |
| Angola | $12K | 2.2% |
| South Korea | $9K | 1.7% |
| Qatar | $9K | 1.6% |
| United States | $7K | 1.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates medical needles imports (HS 9018.32): 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 9018.32: Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: tubular metal needles and needles for sutures.
Common questions
What is the value of medical needles imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported medical needles worth $17.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 601 tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 53% on 2023.
Which countries supply medical needles to the United Arab Emirates?
China was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($4.5 million), followed by India (25%) and the Netherlands (9%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 482% on the year.
What is the average import price of medical needles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $28.43 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $39.17 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of medical needles to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.4 million in 2017 to $17.1 million in 2024, an increase of 218%. The peak was 2023 at $36.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $13.0 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export medical needles?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $555 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Kingdom, Lebanon and India. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $16.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for medical needles?
The HS code for medical needles is subheading 9018.32. It sits in HS chapter 90 (optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 9018 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the United Arab Emirates trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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