Optical fibre cables imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of optical fibre cables by the United Arab Emirates reached $21.6 million in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 15% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $21.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $18.7M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $13.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $17.7M | 2.1K t |
| 2020 | $19.4M | 2.3K t |
| 2019 | $17.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2018 | $14.3M | 680 t |
| 2017 | $15.5M | 940 t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports optical fibre cables from
India alone supplied 61% of it. Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+252% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $13.3M | 62% |
| China | $4.0M | 19% |
| Switzerland | $1.1M | 5% |
| Germany | $673K | 3.1% |
| Italy | $587K | 2.7% |
| Japan | $439K | 2% |
| United States | $324K | 1.5% |
| Turkey | $266K | 1.2% |
| Netherlands | $179K | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $150K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $13.53 per kg, 68% below the world average of $42.33, 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.
Optical fibre cables exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of optical fibre cables by the United Arab Emirates reached $471 thousand in 2024 (11 tonnes). India alone took 83% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $391K | 83% |
| Saudi Arabia | $28K | 6% |
| Finland | $24K | 5.2% |
| Israel | $7K | 1.5% |
| Angola | $6K | 1.2% |
| France | $5K | 1% |
| Pakistan | $3K | 0.6% |
| Uganda | $2K | 0.5% |
| Seychelles | $2K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates optical fibre cables imports (HS 9001.10): 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 9001.10: Optical fibres, optical fibre bundles and cables: excluding those of heading no. 8544.
Common questions
What is the value of optical fibre cables imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported optical fibre cables worth $21.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 28th of 202 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply optical fibre cables to the United Arab Emirates?
India was the largest supplier with 61% of the value ($13.3 million), followed by China (19%) and Switzerland (5%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 288% on the year.
What is the average import price of optical fibre cables per kg?
The average declared import value was about $13.53 per kg in 2024, 68% below the world average of $42.33 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of optical fibre cables to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.5 million in 2017 to $21.6 million in 2024, an increase of 39%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $17.2 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export optical fibre cables?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $471 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Saudi Arabia and Finland. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $21.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for optical fibre cables?
The HS code for optical fibre cables is subheading 9001.10. 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 9001 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
World optical fibre cables trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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