New 2025 year-end trade data from the US Department of Commerce shows the UAE-US trade relationship is at an all-time high. With bilateral trade totaling $39 billion—up 13% year-over-year—the UAE remains the top US export destination in the entire Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region for the 17th consecutive year.
2025 UAE-US trade highlights:
· US Exports to the UAE: US exports reached $31.4 billion, representing a 16% increase and cementing the UAE as the largest importer of US goods in the Middle East since 2009.
· Record US Trade Surplus: The US trade surplus was $23.8 billion, the largest surplus in UAE-US trade history, the largest in the MENA region and the fourth largest globally.
· Two-Way Growth: UAE exports increased 3% from 2024, reaching $7.6 billion.
· High-value Sectors: Trade and investment surged across critical sectors—AI, semiconductors, energy, critical minerals, aerospace and more.
UAE investments in the US now surpass $1 trillion, with $1.4 trillion on track to be deployed over the next decade. In 2025 alone, 39 major deals between UAE and US companies were tracked, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars. From building the first new US aluminum smelter in 45 years to backing next-generation AI infrastructure with Stargate US and Stargate UAE, these investments are transforming industries and increasing US production capacity.
Why This Matters
The 2025 data shows the UAE-US economic relationship is accelerating—fast. The record $23.8 billion US trade surplus delivers tangible impacts America: supporting jobs across all 50 states, strengthening critical supply chains and driving growth in AI, semiconductors, energy and advanced manufacturing.
As the UAE continues to diversify its economy through high-value projects across the US, American companies are also expanding in the UAE. More than 1,500 US firms already operate in the Emirates, tapping into the country's pro-business environment and strategic location as a gateway to the broader $8 trillion Middle East, Africa and South Asia market.
Following a record year for UAE-US trade and investment, this partnership setting a global standard for how nations co-create prosperity at speed and at scale.
“The 2025 trade data underscores how that partnership delivers real results— with US exports to the UAE increasing 16 percent year over year to reach $31.4 billion—supporting American jobs, strengthening supply chains and accelerating innovation across critical sectors.” – Ambassador Al Otaiba
Full Press Release: UAE Remains Top US Export Market in Middle East As Strategic Trade Partnership Hits Record $39 Billion
US exports to UAE grew 16% year over year, reflecting steady expansion of demand for US-made goods and services
US trade surplus with the UAE remains fourth largest, globally
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 26, 2026) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) solidified its position as a premier global economic partner for the United States in 2025. According to new data released by the US Department of Commerce, total trade between the UAE and US reached a record-breaking $39 billion last year, with US exports to the UAE totaling $31.4 billion, a 16 percent increase. This data underscores the deepening strategic economic relationship between the two countries, built on mutual trust, shared priorities and a commitment to economic growth.
It is the 17th consecutive year the UAE has been the top export destination for US goods and services in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, driving sustained US economic growth and job creation. This robust trade activity resulted in a $23.8 billion trade surplus for the US—the largest US trade surplus in the MENA region and the fourth largest globally. The new trade data reinforces an accelerating bilateral economic and investment relationship, and a steady increase in demand for American innovation, technology and services in the UAE.
UAE investments in the US currently surpass $1 trillion and the UAE is on track to fulfill its pledge to invest $1.4 trillion into the US economy over the next decade, strengthening supply chains and building US domestic production capacity.
UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba highlighted the trade and investment figures at an event in Washington, DC hosted by the U.S.-UAE Business Council. During the event, Ambassador Al Otaiba also noted that 2025 marked a significant turning point in the bilateral relationship, underscored by President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi last May.
Economic cooperation is expanding rapidly across AI, semiconductors, energy and critical minerals, fundamentally changing the nature of the UAE-US economic relationship. This includes collaboration on responsible AI development and secure AI diffusion. Last November, the US government approved the sale of advanced Nvidia semiconductor chips to the UAE, marking a significant milestone.
“The UAE-US relationship is a strategic partnership rooted in trust, shared security interests and long-term economic investment,” said Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba. “The 2025 trade data underscores how that partnership delivers real results— with US exports to the UAE increasing 16 percent year over year to reach $31.4 billion—supporting American jobs, strengthening supply chains and accelerating innovation across critical sectors. As the UAE continues to diversify its economy, we are increasingly looking to American partners to help drive progress in sectors ranging from aerospace and healthcare to renewable energy and AI.”
2025 UAE-US trade and economic highlights include:
· Coast-to-Coast Job Creation: UAE trade spans all 50 US states and supports tens of thousands of American jobs in high-growth sectors like technology, critical minerals, energy and advanced manufacturing.
· US Export Leadership: The UAE imported more US goods than any other country in the Middle East, cementing its spot as the top US trade partner in the region for the 17th year.
· Record Surplus: The $23.8 billion US trade surplus is the largest surplus on record in UAE-US trade history, underscoring the Emirates' role as a critical engine for American economic growth.
· Innovation Corridor: The UAE’s open, business-friendly environment and its position as a global logistics hub provide more than 1,500 American companies with a gateway to the broader $8 trillion Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets.
· Strategic Investments: In 2025 alone, 39 major deals between UAE and US companies were tracked, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars.
“Whether through large-scale sovereign investments or the expansion of Emirati businesses in the US market, we remain dedicated to our $1.4 trillion investment commitment. This commitment reflects our long-term bet on American growth and technological leadership,” Ambassador Al Otaiba added. “Together, the UAE and the United States are building resilient supply chains, advancing next-generation technologies and expanding opportunity for businesses in both countries.”
For more information on the UAE-US economic partnership, please visit www.uaepreferred.com.
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