The import of cotton to the UAE has shown a declining trend from 2013 to 2023. The value stood at $96.465 million in 2023. This represents a significant decrease from $234.54 million in 2013. The year-on-year variation for the last two years indicates a consistent downward trend, with a decrease of 10.07% in 2023, following a 9.31% decline in 2022. Over the last five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has been -6.87%, highlighting the consistent reduction in import value.
Moving forward, the forecasted figures suggest a continuing downward trend, with a projected 50.869 million USD by 2027 and 40.069 million USD by 2028. The anticipated 5-year CAGR is -13.89%, indicating a steep decline. Overall, this suggests a 52.64% decrease from 2023 to 2028.
Future trends to watch for include potential changes in global cotton prices, the UAE's domestic production capabilities, trade policy shifts, and evolving local demand for cotton-related products.