Prepared sardines imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of prepared sardines by the United Arab Emirates reached $10.0 million in 2024 (4.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 50% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average.
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 | $10.0M | 4.2K t |
| 2023 | $6.7M | 3.3K t |
| 2022 | $7.6M | 3.7K t |
| 2021 | $5.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $5.9M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $4.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2018 | $4.4M | 2.3K t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 1.5K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports prepared sardines from
Most of the value came from Philippines (27%), Indonesia (26%), India (14%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+252% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | $2.7M | 27% |
| Indonesia | $2.6M | 26% |
| India | $1.4M | 14% |
| Morocco | $1.4M | 14% |
| China | $760K | 7.6% |
| Thailand | $750K | 7.5% |
| United Kingdom | $137K | 1.4% |
| Latvia | $119K | 1.2% |
| Spain | $92K | 0.9% |
| Italy | $28K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.36 per kg, 27% below the world average of $3.22, 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.
Prepared sardines exports from the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates exported $342 thousand of prepared sardines in 2024 (140 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Kuwait accounted for 66% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Seychelles grew fastest (+76% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait | $224K | 66% |
| Benin | $56K | 17% |
| Mozambique | $15K | 4.5% |
| Seychelles | $14K | 4.1% |
| Uganda | $13K | 3.9% |
| Gambia | $10K | 2.9% |
| Angola | $8K | 2.3% |
| Senegal | $0K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0.1% |
| Indonesia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates prepared sardines imports (HS 1604.13): 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 1604.13: Fish preparations: sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not minced).
Common questions
What is the value of prepared sardines imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported prepared sardines worth $10.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 214 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 50% on 2023.
Which countries supply prepared sardines to the United Arab Emirates?
The Philippines was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by Indonesia (26%) and India (14%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 252% on the year.
What is the average import price of prepared sardines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.36 per kg in 2024, 27% below the world average of $3.22 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of prepared sardines to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $10.0 million in 2024, an increase of 172%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.0 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export prepared sardines?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $342 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kuwait, Benin and Mozambique. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $9.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for prepared sardines?
The HS code for prepared sardines is subheading 1604.13. It sits in HS chapter 16 (meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or insects; preparations thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1604 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.
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