Automotive parts and accessories industry in Dubai

News is good for the Automotive Parts and Accessories industry in Dubai with total direct trade figures registering US$ 2.4 billion in the first half of the year 2009, on a par with 2007 figures.

In 2008, Japan registered as the largest importer for Dubai with Iran proving to be one of the key destinations for re-exports. Spare Parts & Accessories represent the Dubai automotive industry’s largest segment at 52% of its import and re-export market.

Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH said: “These latest figures from DP World Statistics Department for the first half of the year just past bring welcome news to the industry and are testament to the fact that the sector remains robust.”

He also added: “General consensus is that figures from Half Two of 2009, which will be revealed at our show in May, will be even stronger. This builds confidence that the automotive aftermarket remains in high stead for 2010 and beyond. We are excited about the 8th edition of Automechanika, which has already attracted key industry figures and expectations are high for a high quality and successful event.”

DP World Statistics Department will release the complete figures for 2009 at Automechanika Middle East 2010. Automechanika Middle East is the region’s leading trade fair for the automotive aftermarket sector and is organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH.

In 2008, alongside Japan, other key import countries for Dubai included U.S.A., Germany, U.K., China and South Korea. Dubai’s automotive re-export market mainly features countries from the Middle East and Africa region including Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq, amongst others. During Automechanika 2009, 26% of registered visitors were importers and 17% were exporters. A total of 958 exhibitors participated in the show representing 46 different countries.

Parts & accessories represent the largest group for imports and exports in the automotive market with Germany being the number one source market and Iran representing the largest export destination. 54% of those parts & accessories imported in 2008 were then re-exported.