Trade between the United States and the United Arab Emirates reached a record high of $18.34 billion in 2011. Increased trade and investment across several key economic sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology drove the rise in last year’s economic activity.  According to the newly released 2011 U.S. export statistics, the U.A.E. remains a key export destination and the single largest export market for American goods in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.

In total, the U.S. exported a record $15.89 billion worth of goods to the U.A.E. in 2011; representing an impressive 36% increase compared to 2010.  The previous record of $14.4 billion in U.S. exports to the U.A.E. predates the global economic recession and occurred in 2008. For its part, the U.A.E. exported $2.44 billion to the U.S., more than doubling its 2010 export numbers to the states.

“These record-breaking statistics clearly illustrate America’s role as a strategic and commercial partner to the U.A.E.—a key export destination and gateway to important global markets,” said Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council. “These numbers provide clear evidence that the U.S.-U.A.E. trade relationship is thriving and remains a key pillar supporting strong diplomatic ties between our two countries.”

The statistics, released by the Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau on February 10th, provide empirical evidence that total U.S. exports have increased significantly in the last year in response to government efforts to lift export numbers and the modest resurgence of American industry in the face of continued global economic uncertainty.

With its business-friendly regulations, strong investment incentives, economic diversification ambitions, and ideal geographic location, the U.A.E. remains a key export market for U.S. companies.

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About the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council 

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is a progressive business advocacy organization solely committed to advancing the trade and commercial relationship between the United States and United Arab Emirates.

For more information on the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, please visit:www.usuaebusiness.org and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/usuaebizcouncil