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April 28, 2025 | Dubai
The most recent announcement concerning Trump’s tariff policy caused waves on the markets around the world . While many countries dread such a situation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may turn it into what is bound to become a one-of-a-kind opportunity. The Trump’s tariff, which places a baseline 10% duty on the vast majority of imports to the United States, is forcing companies to revisit their supply chains. Such changes could result in increased more jobs in UAE, lower prices for residents, and a stronger place for the country in international trade.
How Trump’s Tariff Affects UAE’s Trade
Trump’s tariff creates uncertainty for exporters all over the world, but experts claim UAE is one of the better-placed nations to react to it and even gain from it. In a 10% tariff situation, UAE is in a much better position than most countries. Thus, it means relative advantages to all exporters in the UAE and perhaps rack up even more firms to establish business here. Trump’s tariff is now a key factor in shaping the country’s export strategies and attracting new investments.
Dhaval Jasani, CEO of ZTI Global, explains, “A 10% tariff on UAE goods is unlikely to significantly impact exports. The UAE primarily exports crude oil, aluminium, and precious metals-all of which will remain in high demand. If necessary, these products can be diverted to alternative markets”.
This flexibility means Trump’s tariff would actually encourage more companies to set up the UAE to operate as their hub for manufacturing and exporting, particularly in high-value sectors such as electronics and mobile phones. Dubai’s free zones are starting to attract more and more interest from global manufacturers and logistics companies. Many of them want to move the final assembly or light manufacturing to the UAE to change the country of origin, thus avoiding higher tariffs elsewhere. These trends can translate into more jobs in UAE as companies expand and hire more people in the country.
More Jobs in UAE and Potential for Lower Prices
Trump’s tariff does not end in trade statistics. It can also put more jobs in UAE and potentially lower the prices of some products. Skilled and unskilled labor will be in demand in the country as global companies move some parts of their operations to the UAE. More jobs in UAE will open for citizens and expatriates alike.
Neeraj Ritolia, former chairman of the ICAI Abu Dhabi Chapter, shares, “The tariffs may push affected exporters to reroute trade through the UAE, reinforcing its role as a re-export hub”.
With more goods passing through the country, logistics, warehousing, and value-added processing sectors will need to hire more staff, leading to more jobs in UAE. Certainly, it also promises to bring reduced prices for some goods. If redirected into the UAE market by Trump’s tariff, goods originally destined to the US from other countries will generate oversaturation, hence cheaper prices.
Ben Crompton, a real estate expert in Abu Dhabi, says, “Materials such as aluminium and steel, which would otherwise go to the US, might flood other markets, including the UAE. This oversupply could eventually drive down the cost of building materials, benefiting the construction sector in the long run”.
Thus, lower construction costs can mean affordable housing and infrastructure for UAE residents. However, some products imported from the United States will be made more expensive as a result of Trump’s tariff. Products that will most likely get a rise in costs are electronics, appliances, and certain consumer goods, the higher price passed on to buyers. Still, with the UAE’s strong trade connections and flexible economy, experts say that the country will be able to weather all these challenges, and there will be more jobs in UAE.
UAE’s Resilience and Opportunity
Despite the global uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariff, influential voices in the UAE remain optimistic.
Samer Mardini, Chief Investment Officer at Yorklyn Asset Management, states, “Trump’s tariffs may bring short-term challenges, but nothing the UAE can’t handle. The UAE has a strong, resilient, and diversified economy that can adapt. This could actually strengthen its global trade relationships, accelerate innovation and digital growth, and further establish it as a leading investment and logistics hub”.
PP Varghese, Head of Professional Services at Cushman & Wakefield Core, adds, “Tariff policy may be decided in Washington, but its effects are felt globally. For commercial real estate in the Middle East, the implications could be significant”.
He points out that more companies moving to the UAE could boost demand for industrial space and support growth in related sectors, which means more jobs in UAE.
Conclusion
While the tariffs imposed by Trump’s tariff are creating ripples in world trade, the UAE is taking such a challenge. It aims to attract much more businesses while encouraging a shift in supply chains so that this small country will potentially have more jobs in UAE and relatively costs lower for its residents. Strong economy with a strategic vision, the UAE is already poised to take advantage of this new global scene ushered in by Trump’s tariff.
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