Corridor Overview
A→B Exports
USD 55B
B→A Exports
USD 30B
Trade Balance
India surplus
CAGR (3yr)
22%
Incoterm
FOB/CIF
Currency
USD / AED
India-UAE is India's fastest growing major bilateral trade corridor — driven by the 2022 CEPA which provides 0% duty on 97% of Indian goods. UAE's Jebel Ali is the world's 9th largest port and a critical re-export hub to 100+ markets. Dubai's DMCC, DIFC and free zones create layered facilitation for
Top Verticals — This Corridor
Live Corridor Intelligence · April 2026
Data last updated: April 2026
Bilateral Trade Volume
USD 85.0B
FTA Status
cepa-in-force
Sea Transit Time
10 days
Corridor Risks
Re-export documentation — UAE-origin goods re-exported must meet destination country RoO
Medium — goods re-exported from UAE to EU may not qualify for India-EU FTA rates (origin = UAE not India)
Mitigation: Ensure India origin documentation (INR.1 / REX) for direct India-EU exports. UAE route for GCC/Africa markets.
Informal credit culture — some UAE traders expect 60–90 day open account credit
Medium — use LC or ECGC cover for initial transactions
Mitigation: Insist on irrevocable LC for first 3 transactions with new UAE principals
FAQ — India-UAE Trade Corridor
Q: Does India-UAE CEPA 0% duty apply to goods exported via UAE to Saudi Arabia?
No — CEPA is India-UAE bilateral. Goods re-exported to KSA/Kuwait face normal GCC tariffs. India-GCC FTA (under negotiation) would extend 0% to all GCC members.
Q: What is the UAE free zone advantage for Indian exporters?
UAE free zones (Jebel Ali, Dubai Internet City, DIFC, DMCC) allow 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax (to 9% from 2023 for profits >AED 375K), and fast customs processing. Indian exporters can set up UAE free zone entities to service GCC and African markets at reduced cost.
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