Textile market of Middle East has continued to show an upward trend in 2005, with the total trade through Dubai reaching AED 21.5 billion, an increase of 15 percent compared to previous year, as per Statistics Department of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC).
Total imports zoomed up from AED 12.1 billion in 2004 to AED 13.4 in 2005, whereas re-exports increased from AED 5.8 billion to AED 7.1 billion over the same period. Total value of exports recorded was AED 894 million, up from AED 624 million in 2004.
Major share of total trade was of woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn with a 22 percent share, followed by knitted clothing such as t-shirts, singlets and vests at 7 percent.
Women's suits, ensembles and jackets had a 7 percent share.
Men's suits and ensembles accounted for 5 percent, with other products cornering the remaining 59 percent.
Textile market in the region has been flourishing for some years now, and a 15 percent year-on-year growth is particularly impressive.
Significant population rise in most Arab countries is driving this growth which along with combined efforts by Governments and private sector, said Adel Al Ashram, Senior Manager, Department of Statistics, PCFC.
These remarkable trade figures show Dubai's growing importance as a re-export hub.
Credit must be attributed to steady investments Dubai has been investing to improve port facilities and boost container handling capacity, Al Ashram added.
China ranked first on list of top textile exporters to Dubai, with total exports of AED 4.8 billion. India stands second with exports worth AED 1.1 billion, followed by South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand at AED 1 billion, AED 588 million and AED 461 million, respectively.
