The UAE has confirmed that negotiations on new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with Japan and the European Union have reached advanced stages, marking a major step in the country’s expanding global trade strategy.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade said that progress with both partners has been significant, with the second round of talks set for the second week of December.
In parallel, he said negotiations with Nigeria and the Mercosur bloc in Latin America are also moving forward at pace, and he expressed hope they would be completed in the coming weeks.
UAE non-oil trade hits record $727bn
Dr. Al Zeyoudi said the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade continues to deliver strong results, exceeding AED2.67tn ($727bn) in the first nine months of 2025 — a 24.6 per cent increase on the same period last year.
Non-oil trade for the third quarter alone approached AED1tn ($272bn) for the first time in the country’s history.
Exports rose by more than 42 per cent over the same nine-month period, with imports increasing 23 per cent and re-exports up 15 per cent — reflecting a diversified and resilient trade structure.
Gold, diamonds, precious metals, aluminium, copper and perfumes were among the top commodities driving the UAE’s expanding global trading footprint.
CEPA deals deliver gains
The minister said the UAE’s strategy of diversifying trade partners is already paying dividends. CEPAs implemented over the past year have contributed to notable increases in bilateral trade:
- 19.4 per cent with India
- 16.6 per cent with Türkiye
- 5.2 per cent with Indonesia
- 45 per cent with Cambodia
- More than 100 per cent with Costa Rica
Dr. Al Zeyoudi added that these outcomes underscore the UAE’s commitment to partnerships that deliver mutual benefit and support long-term economic prosperity.
He also noted that recent World Trade Organisation estimates project global trade growth will reach 2.4 per cent by year-end.
The UAE’s performance significantly exceeds this level, reinforcing its position as a global hub for exports, re-exports, industry and investment.
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