Metal files imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported metal files worth $5.0 million (884 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 29% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $7.1 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 | $5.0M | 884 t |
| 2023 | $7.1M | 880 t |
| 2022 | $3.8M | 968 t |
| 2021 | $2.9M | 638 t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 526 t |
| 2019 | $2.8M | 583 t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 531 t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 591 t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports metal files from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 61% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+345% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.1M | 61% |
| China | $672K | 13% |
| Indonesia | $475K | 9.4% |
| United Kingdom | $325K | 6.4% |
| Switzerland | $124K | 2.5% |
| Netherlands | $115K | 2.3% |
| Italy | $79K | 1.6% |
| Germany | $67K | 1.3% |
| Brazil | $28K | 0.6% |
| France | $25K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.70 per kg, 45% below the world average of $10.29, 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.
Metal files exports from the United Arab Emirates
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates exported metal files worth $791 thousand (522 tonnes). Most of it went to Uganda (47%), Kenya (37%), Tanzania (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $375K | 47% |
| Kenya | $296K | 37% |
| Tanzania | $64K | 8.1% |
| Seychelles | $14K | 1.7% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $10K | 1.3% |
| Sweden | $6K | 0.7% |
| Spain | $4K | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0.5% |
| Guatemala | $3K | 0.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $3K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates metal files imports (HS 8203.10): 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 8203.10: Tools, hand: files, rasps and similar tools.
Common questions
What is the value of metal files imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported metal files worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 884 tonnes. That ranks it 19th of 215 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 29% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal files to the United Arab Emirates?
India was the largest supplier with 61% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by China (13%) and Indonesia (9%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 41 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 345% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal files per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.70 per kg in 2024, 45% below the world average of $10.29 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of metal files to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024, an increase of 31%. The peak was 2023 at $7.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.9 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export metal files?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $791 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $4.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal files?
The HS code for metal files is subheading 8203.10. It sits in HS chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8203 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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