Preserved beef imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported preserved beef worth $3.0 million (170 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% 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 | $3.0M | 170 t |
| 2023 | $2.9M | 186 t |
| 2022 | $2.6M | 223 t |
| 2021 | $2.5M | 217 t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 213 t |
| 2019 | $3.1M | 254 t |
| 2018 | $2.3M | 205 t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 195 t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports preserved beef from
Italy alone supplied 74% of it. Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest (+426% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $2.2M | 74% |
| South Africa | $293K | 9.7% |
| Spain | $181K | 6% |
| Switzerland | $151K | 5% |
| France | $122K | 4.1% |
| Australia | $14K | 0.5% |
| Bosnia Herzegovina | $5K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0.1% |
| Norway | $1K | 0% |
| Morocco | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $17.68 per kg, 75% above the world average of $10.09. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Preserved beef exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of preserved beef by the United Arab Emirates reached $2.2 million in 2024 (483 tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. One buyer market dominates: Hong Kong accounted for 72% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | $1.6M | 72% |
| Maldives | $270K | 12% |
| Kuwait | $192K | 8.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $83K | 3.8% |
| Bahrain | $40K | 1.8% |
| Qatar | $13K | 0.6% |
| Seychelles | $11K | 0.5% |
| Azerbaijan | $3K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $1K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates preserved beef imports (HS 0210.20): 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 0210.20: Meat: salted, in brine, dried or smoked, of bovine animals.
Common questions
What is the value of preserved beef imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported preserved beef worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 170 tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 181 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply preserved beef to the United Arab Emirates?
Italy was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by South Africa (10%) and Spain (6%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 778% on the year.
What is the average import price of preserved beef per kg?
The average declared import value was about $17.68 per kg in 2024, 75% above the world average of $10.09 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of preserved beef to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, an increase of 78%. The peak was 2019 at $3.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.6 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export preserved beef?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $2.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Hong Kong, the Maldives and Kuwait. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $824 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for preserved beef?
The HS code for preserved beef is subheading 0210.20. It sits in HS chapter 02 (meat and edible meat offal). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0210 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.
Same product, other countries
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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