gulfnews : Unrest hits UAE trade with Arab nations

The Arab Spring has slowed the UAE's trade with the five countries affected by the unrest. According to a report by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, there was a 32 per cent decline in the first quarter of 2011 compared with the fourth quarter of 2010.

Libya led with a decline of Dh932 million or 73 per cent of the total, followed by Tunisia by Dh122 million or 10 per cent, Yemen by Dh102 million or 8 per cent, Egypt Dh83 million or 7 per cent, and Syria by Dh19 million or 2 per cent.

However, UAE direct trade is experiencing steady growth and expansion in new markets that has helped offset this.

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