Kingdom tops with 11% share in region’s auto spare parts trade

Dubai’s fast growing auto spare parts foreign trade was valued at AED 37 billion in 2012, an increase of AED 8 billion compared to AED 29 billion in 2009. At the export and re-export level, Saudi Arabia topped the list with a share amounting to 11 percent, equivalent to AED 1.6 billion, followed by Afghanistan in the second place with a share of 5 percent, followed by Oman with a share of 4 percent.
According to figures released by Dubai Customs in conjunction with Automechanika exhibition that opened at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centeryesterday, the auto spare parts market is growing year-by-year, reaching AED 32 billion in 2010 and AED 36 billion in 2011.
Japan is deemed to be Dubai`s top trade partner in spare parts and accessories, claiming 28 percent of the imports market share with a value of AED 6.1 billion, followed by China with a share of AED 2.8 billion, then South Korea having a share to the value of AED 2.3 billion.
Accompanied by senior government and industry leaders, Mattar Al-Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of the Roads & Transport Authority, opened the Automechanika Exhibition. The international B2B and networking event will run through Thursday. The event is showcasing parts and systems, repair and maintenance, tires and batteries, service station and car wash, and accessories and tuning. In addition to a large number of independent exhibitors, 23 country pavilions are also featured in the event.
"The automotive trade is one of the most important industry sectors that services a large sector of the economy. Automechanika Dubai is the biggest show for aftermarket trade in the region as it shows products, services and accessories, that improve auto efficiency," Al-Tayer said during the opening.
"There is a 25 percent increase in this year’s edition. This is because of the growth in the number of infrastructure investment projects, which reflects positively on the trade. This is a very significant show for RTA, as we have fleets of buses, taxis and sea transport vehicles. All of these need maintenance, repair, equipment and accessories that we source from the show," Al-Tayer added.
Last year, the event had attracted 20,715 trade visitors and buyers from 120 countries.