​China has retained its position as Dubai’s top trading partner. According to a statistic released by Dubai Customs in line with the  milestone visit of President Xi Jinping of China to the UAE, Dubai’s foreign trade with China grew by 6% to reach as high as AED 176.4 billion in 2017, compared to AED 166.35 billion in 2016. 
The most notable growth occurred in Dubai-China re-exports trade which went up 60% from AED 4.99 billion in 2016 to AED 7.97 billion last year.
Exports also soared 38% to stand at AED 1.23 billion against AED 897 million, while imports recorded a 4% growth from AED 160.47 billion to AED 167.2 billion. 

   
 “The booming two-way trade between Dubai and China is a testament to the deep and exemplary relationship enjoyed by our friendly nations,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group chairman & CEO and chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.
“Dubai is a key re-export gateway for China’s trade with different markets around the world, and we are committed to providing the best of facilities and services to the Chinese business community to ensure this bilateral trade continue to grow and to further reinforce the UAE-China partnership,” he added.

“This is particularly relevant given the UAE’s position at the center of China’s proposed Belt and Road plan which will see Dubai playing a vital part in connecting the countries and markets involved on the new silk road,” said Bin Sulayem. 

    
“To further promote Dubai’s strategic role in China’s external trade with the world, Dubai Customs spares no effort to better streamline and simplify procedures for Chinese traders to help get their goods into final markets in the most timely and cost effective manner,” assured Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, director of Dubai Customs.