Middle East textile trade hit Dh21.5b in 2005

19 April 2006

Dubai: The textile market in the Middle East grew stronger in 2005, with total trade through Dubai touching an astonishing Dh21.5 billion, an increase of 15 per cent over the previous year, according to trade traffic statistics compiled by the Statistics Department of the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).

Total imports increased from Dh12.1 billion in 2004 to Dh13.4 in 2005, whereas re-exports increased from Dh5.8 billion to Dh7.1 billion over the same period. Total value of exports was pegged at Dh894 million, up from Dh624 million in 2004.

Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn comprised the bulk of the total trade with a 22 per cent share, followed by knitted clothing such as t-shirts, singlets and vests at 7 per cent.

China ranked first on the list of top textile exporters to Dubai, with total exports of Dh4.8 billion.

India was second with exports worth Dh1.1 billion, followed by South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand at Dh1 billion, Dh588 million and Dh461 million respectively.

By Staff Reporter
 
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.