Plastic apparel and clothing imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported plastic apparel and clothing worth $41.1 million (13.9 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 43% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2020, at $73.5 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 | $41.1M | 13.9K t |
| 2023 | $28.6M | 12.2K t |
| 2022 | $32.1M | 10.8K t |
| 2021 | $69.7M | 13.9K t |
| 2020 | $73.5M | 14.5K t |
| 2019 | $23.4M | 9.0K t |
| 2018 | $30.2M | 9.7K t |
| 2017 | $27.5M | 7.2K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports plastic apparel and clothing from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 91% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+59% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $37.4M | 91% |
| United States | $844K | 2.1% |
| Hong Kong | $677K | 1.7% |
| Poland | $305K | 0.7% |
| Egypt | $234K | 0.6% |
| Singapore | $233K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $223K | 0.5% |
| India | $170K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $152K | 0.4% |
| Turkey | $142K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.95 per kg, 54% below the world average of $6.35, 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.
Plastic apparel and clothing exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of plastic apparel and clothing by the United Arab Emirates reached $2.0 million in 2024 (273 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Saudi Arabia (28%), Malawi (17%), Angola (15%). Among the main buyer markets, Bahrain grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $568K | 28% |
| Malawi | $344K | 17% |
| Angola | $296K | 15% |
| Kuwait | $226K | 11% |
| South Africa | $167K | 8.2% |
| Bahrain | $87K | 4.3% |
| Maldives | $38K | 1.9% |
| Seychelles | $36K | 1.8% |
| Ireland | $31K | 1.5% |
| Philippines | $28K | 1.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates plastic apparel and clothing imports (HS 3926.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3926.20: Plastics: articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens and mitts).
Common questions
What is the value of plastic apparel and clothing imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported plastic apparel and clothing worth $41.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 24th of 224 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 43% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic apparel and clothing to the United Arab Emirates?
China was the largest supplier with 91% of the value ($37.4 million), followed by the United States (2%) and Hong Kong (2%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 538% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic apparel and clothing per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.95 per kg in 2024, 54% below the world average of $6.35 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic apparel and clothing to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $27.5 million in 2017 to $41.1 million in 2024, an increase of 49%. The peak was 2020 at $73.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $40.8 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export plastic apparel and clothing?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Malawi and Angola. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $39.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic apparel and clothing?
The HS code for plastic apparel and clothing is subheading 3926.20. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3926 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.
Same product, other countries
World plastic apparel and clothing trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.