ABU DHABI – The UAE's general trade volume (total volume of UAE non-oil foreign trade and trade of free zones) in the first quarter of 2012 recorded a 6.7 percent increase by AED21,6 billion from AED3.24.6 billion to AED346,2 billion year on year, Preliminary statistical data released today by the Federal Customs Authority (FCA) showed. The Federal Customs Authority (FCA), in a statement, said imports accounted for AED219,9 billion of UAE total trade, while exports and re-exports represented AED38 billion and AED88,3 billion, respectively. The total value of UAE non-oil foreign trade (the first contributor to the state's general trade volume) rose to AED238,4 billion in Q1-12. The total value of FZ trade increased by 18 percent year-on-year to AED107,8 billion in Q1-12, from AED91,6 billion. Saudi Arabia took the first spot among GCC region's trading partners with a total value of AED8 billion, or 58 percent of total trade. Kuwait came second (AED2,4 billion, or 18 percent), followed by Qatar (AED1,8 billion, or 13 percent), Oman (AED892 million, or 6 percent) and Bahrain (AED613 million, or 4 percent). Total foreign trade volume of the UAE with the Arab countries in terms of value rose remarkably in terms of re-exports, amounting to AED25,1 billion in Q1-12. – WAM
