Saffron imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Arab Emirates imported $4.5 million of saffron in 2024 (8 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. Value fell 77% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 35% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $95.3 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 | $4.5M | 8 t |
| 2023 | $19.5M | 394 t |
| 2022 | $28.5M | 132 t |
| 2021 | $52.5M | 88 t |
| 2020 | $17.1M | 115 t |
| 2019 | $27.1M | 114 t |
| 2018 | $21.6M | 95 t |
| 2017 | $95.3M | 68 t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports saffron from
One supplier dominates: Spain accounted for 84% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $3.8M | 85% |
| China | $232K | 5.1% |
| India | $172K | 3.8% |
| United States | $65K | 1.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | $58K | 1.3% |
| Singapore | $56K | 1.2% |
| Indonesia | $43K | 0.9% |
| Portugal | $29K | 0.6% |
| France | $22K | 0.5% |
| Turkey | $13K | 0.3% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $581.12 per kg, 88% above the world average of $309.20. 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.
Saffron exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of saffron by the United Arab Emirates reached $4.1 million in 2024 (10 tonnes). It ranks 7th of 116 countries for exports of this product. India alone took 81% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.3M | 81% |
| Saudi Arabia | $170K | 4.2% |
| United Kingdom | $142K | 3.5% |
| Spain | $95K | 2.3% |
| Canada | $73K | 1.8% |
| Qatar | $60K | 1.5% |
| United States | $56K | 1.4% |
| Kuwait | $47K | 1.2% |
| Seychelles | $29K | 0.7% |
| Maldives | $19K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates saffron imports (HS 0910.20): 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 0910.20: Spices: saffron.
Common questions
What is the value of saffron imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported saffron worth $4.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8 tonnes. That ranks it 12th of 180 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 77% on 2023.
Which countries supply saffron to the United Arab Emirates?
Spain was the largest supplier with 84% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by China (5%) and India (4%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 16 supplier countries in total. France grew fastest among the top ten, up 122% on the year.
What is the average import price of saffron per kg?
The average declared import value was about $581.12 per kg in 2024, 88% above the world average of $309.20 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of saffron to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $95.3 million in 2017 to $4.5 million in 2024, a fall of 95%. The peak was 2017 at $95.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $33.2 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export saffron?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $4.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. That compares with imports of $4.5 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for saffron?
The HS code for saffron is subheading 0910.20. It sits in HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0910 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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