UAE expects EA demand to boost its electronics sector

With high demand from East Africa and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) states the United Arab Emirates (UAE) electronics sector is expecting exceptional performance in 2010, according to an analysis by Dubai Chamber. Low import duty rates have made the UAE a trading centre for consumer electronic goods. The destinations for exports and re-exports have shifted over the years, with waves of demand for electronic goods from Africa and the CIS states. Initially, most of the trade was with South Asian countries. Later the CIS emerged as a major export destination. East Africa has recently emerged as a major destination for UAE consumer electronics exports, which has compensated for a leveling off in demand from the CIS. The global recession is likely to have an impact on UAE exports of consumer electronics in 2009. However, exports to fast growing markets such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and India could help mitigate the adverse impact of the global downturn on UAE exports of consumer electronic goods. Agencies